Vithas Vitoria Hospital has launched the first Da Vinci surgical robot in Álava's private healthcare sector. This new technology will allow the residents of Álava to access this technology for more complex surgeries, performing minimally invasive procedures through smaller incisions that reduce bleeding.

This translates into greater precision and control; a much faster postoperative period and recovery, involving less pain and fewer complications; and also a quicker return to daily life.

These robotic systems have applications in specialties such as urology, oncological and benign gynecology, thoracic surgery, general surgery, otorhinolaryngology, pediatric surgery, and transplants.

Vithas already operates seven Da Vinci surgical robots across 22 hospitals and 40 care centers in 14 provinces.

The Da Vinci robotic systems allow the surgeon to operate without direct contact with the patient; they sit at a console from which they virtually control robotic arms. Furthermore, these systems offer a three-dimensional view with up to 10x magnification. The system translates the surgeon's hand movements into impulses transmitted literally to the robotic arms, enabling access to difficult-to-reach areas.

This enhanced precision leads to greater control in both the removal of healthy or diseased tissue, as the surgeon can make millimeter-precise incisions that reduce blood loss, and in reconstruction. Additionally, the surgeon has excellent visualization of anatomical landmarks, physiological tremor or involuntary movements are eliminated, as is postural fatigue after long surgical hours.