Cancer Surgery at Lakewood Health System
Surgery That Can Save Lives
Surgery is an integral part of many cancer treatments. Nearly all cancer patients require at least one surgical procedure, for biopsy, tumor removal, or for something more complex. Surgery offers a good chance of full recovery in cases where cancer has not spread to other areas of the body.
Our goal with surgery is always to provide the most effective treatment in the least invasive manner. The type of surgery you receive depends on many factors, including the type, size, location, and stage of the tumor. Surgery may be combined with other cancer treatments, such as chemo or radiation.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
For appropriate patients, Lakewood offers robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci 5 surgical system. The system can assist specially trained surgeons in performing certain minimally invasive procedures through small incisions while providing an enhanced 3D view of the surgical field and precise control of specialized instruments.
Your surgeon—not the robot—is in control. The da Vinci 5 translates the surgeon's hand movements into precise movements of the instruments during the procedure. It does not operate independently.
Robotic-assisted surgery is not appropriate for every cancer or every patient, and not every surgeon performs robotic-assisted procedures. Your surgeon will determine whether a robotic-assisted approach is an option based on your diagnosis, the type and location of the cancer, your overall needs, and the surgical procedure being considered.
