Bariatric Surgery Center

At Medicover Hospital Cluj, the expertise of the surgical team and robotic technology support minimally invasive procedures, with a treatment plan tailored to each patient.

Experience in Bariatric Surgery

• Over 2,000 bariatric surgical procedures.

• Over 12 years of experience in bariatric surgery.

Access to Robotic Surgery

By developing our robotic surgery program, we aim to expand patients' access to this technology and support assistance initiatives through partnerships with organizations and associations.

Medicover Hospital Cluj is the only hospital in Transylvania equipped with two da Vinci Xi surgical systems, enabling minimally invasive procedures with precise instrument control.

The da Vinci Xi Surgical System

Technology for Precision and Control

The da Vinci Xi system assists the surgeon in performing procedures through small incisions. The surgeon controls the camera and instruments from the console throughout the operation.

Advantages of the Technology

• High-definition 3D visualization, for detailed observation of anatomical structures.

• Up to 10x magnified image, for a detailed view of the operative field.

• Articulated instruments that allow fine movements and precise dissection.

• Hand tremor filtration, ensuring stable instrument movements.

• Access to hard-to-reach anatomical areas, thanks to instrument maneuverability.

Potential Benefits for the Patient

Depending on the type of procedure and the medical indication, the minimally invasive approach may offer the following benefits compared to open surgery:

• smaller incisions and less visible scars;

• reduced blood loss;

• less postoperative pain;

• shorter hospital stay;

• faster recovery and an earlier return to daily activities.

• The recommendation for robotic surgery is established following a medical evaluation. The benefits and recovery rate depend on the procedure, the condition treated, and overall health status.

Your Journey, Step by Step

1. Initial Consultation

The medical team evaluates the condition, medical history, and appropriate treatment options for you.

2. Surgical Planning

Based on the consultation and investigations, we establish the treatment plan and explain the stages of the procedure, necessary preparation, and recovery guidelines.

3. The Surgical Procedure

The surgeon performs the intervention assisted by the da Vinci Xi system, according to the established plan and clinical indication.

4. Recovery and Follow-Up

After surgery, you benefit from monitoring and personalized recovery recommendations, tailored to your progress.

Robotic Surgical Procedures in Bariatric Surgery

• Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)

Sleeve gastrectomy (or gastric sleeve) is gaining popularity, becoming the most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedure worldwide. It has a lower morbidity rate compared to other bariatric procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, due to its technical simplicity and limited alteration of normal anatomy. It can serve as a primary procedure or as the first step in the staged treatment of severe obesity.

Advantages of the robotic approach: robotic surgery (using the da Vinci Xi system) provides magnified 3D HD visualization and articulated surgical instruments that replicate the fine movements of the surgeon's hands with enhanced precision. The procedure is performed with greater accuracy, reducing trauma to tissues and the abdominal wall, allowing for a safer surgical procedure and faster recovery.

• Robotic Gastric Bypass / Mini Bypass

  
  

Gastric bypass provides significant weight loss, leading to the control of obesity-related comorbidities, improved quality of life, and increased life expectancy. The mini gastric bypass is a relatively new surgical option and can be considered a simpler and faster alternative to traditional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for selected cases.

The da Vinci Xi robotic system offers a minimally invasive approach to a complex operation; the advantages of articulated instruments and superior-quality visualization reduce operative time and add a higher degree of safety to surgical maneuvers. For the patient, this translates into faster recovery and a lower complication rate.

• Robotic Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Revisional bariatric surgery is an option for patients who have already undergone a bariatric intervention and regain weight, have an unsatisfactory outcome, or need the primary weight-loss procedure revised for various reasons. It also serves as a secondary stage in the stepwise management of severe obesity.

The robotic approach is ideal for these procedures, as these surgical interventions generally involve a high degree of complexity. The precision and safety of robotic instruments provide a major advantage in managing patients who require revisional bariatric surgery.

• Hiatal Hernia and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A hiatal hernia is a specific diaphragmatic defect that causes the stomach to herniate into the thoracic cavity. Due to the displacement of the stomach, changes occur in lower esophageal sphincter function, resulting in reflux disease. Pyrosis (heartburn, a burning pain behind the sternum) is the most common manifestation of reflux disease.

Robotic fundoplication and hiatoplasty are procedures used for the treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux and hiatal hernias. The surgery involves reinforcing the lower esophageal sphincter and repairing the diaphragm to prevent the stomach from migrating into the chest cavity. Robotic surgery offers superior precision in handling delicate tissues, reducing pain and recovery time.

Frequently Asked Questions - What You Should Know About Robotic Surgery