Da Vinci Surgical Device Severely Burns Patient

Case Overview

This surgical technology case involves a forty-five-year-old patient who underwent a hysterectomy for excessive fibroid growth. Her physician used the da Vinci Surgical System for her surgery, and, prior to the procedure, he assured her that it was a safe, new technology that would reduce her stay in the hospital. According to the operative note, the procedure was conducted without incident, but when the patient awoke from surgery, she noticed severe burns on her abdomen and upper thighs. The da Vinci Surgical System did not hold a proper ground during the procedure and the patient sustained significant burns to her skin from the high-intensity electrical energy. The patient had to undergo plastic surgery to remove scar tissue as a result of the severe burns.

Questions to the Urology expert and their responses

Is this an accepted complication of this device?

Surgical burns can be associated with any surgery that uses the monopolar energy scissors, which are surgical instruments used in electrosurgery.

how can this be prevented?

Researchers warn that a lack of insulation can cause electrical arcing, causing burns when electricity jumps from the robot to a patient’s body.

About the expert

This actively practicing, Da Vinci-trained urologist has remained in active practice for more than 30 years. He has acquired memberships in such prestigious organizations as the American Urological Association and the American College of Surgeons, where he is also a fellow. His impressive resume includes prior appointments as the Chief of Urology and Chief of Surgery at major California healthcare institutions. These strong qualifications make him extremely capable of reviewing this case.