Hospitals Pump Up da Vinci Robot Surgery Benefits, Downplay Complications

Some consumer watchdogs have argued that the rate of da Vinci robot surgery complications that include organ cauterization come from a “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality in which medical centers do not want to be seen as behind the times for numerous procedures performed with the medical device.

Yet claims made by some hospitals do not match up with studies performed using data from Intuitive Surgical adverse event reports. A press release from a Michigan hospital indicates that for robotic hysterectomies, “most patients are also able to resume regular activities… within one to two weeks, a significant improvement from outcomes experienced with traditional hysterectomy.” And the surgeon herself calls it “truly a breakthrough surgical technique.”

Similarly, a report in Pro Publica focused on an advertisement run by the medical device maker that included a testimonial from surgeons at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System with the headline, “We believe in da Vinci [robot] surgery because our patients benefit.” Fine print at the bottom indicates the possibility of significant complications, including death, but notes that they are possible during any procedure.

Da Vinci robot surgery complications occur for a variety of reasons. The electrical connections must be maintained so that it only passes through the part of the body where the surgeon is working, according to a recent complaint filed by an attorney working on da Vinci robot cases. Otherwise, the current can “arc” or enter another, unexpected part of the body. This can lead to burns, organ cauterization and severe damage. One issue cited by public safety advocates and some studies is the relative inexperience of many hospital personnel in using the devices.

There is a learning curve to becoming successful in any procedure, many surgeons say, and smaller healthcare facilities simply do not provide enough opportunities to use the device to perform a hysterectomy or other laparoscopic procedures. As a result, mistakes can be made, and unlike the text of the press release, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued the following statement implying significant concerns with the devices: “There is no good data proving that robotic hysterectomy is even as good as — let alone better — than existing, and far less costly, minimally invasive alternatives.”

While commonly used for procedures on reproductive organs in women, the device is also used for prostatectomies in men and other types of laparoscopic procedures.

If you underwent surgery using a da Vinci robot device and suffered complications, learn more about your legal options. Get a free case eligibility review by submitting your information at the Da Vinci Robot Surgery Class Action Lawsuit Investigation today. Qualified parties will receive a legal consultation with a da Vinci robot lawyer regarding potential options including suing Intuitive Surgical.