What Is Single Port Robotic Surgery?
Dr. Abtin Khosravi is among the first 20 surgeons in the United States selected by Intuitive to help introduce the da Vinci SP® platform for general surgery. He currently offers Single Port robotic gallbladder surgery and selected inguinal hernia repairs for appropriately chosen patients in Orange County.
Single Port Robotic Surgery is designed to perform certain procedures through a single incision rather than several small incisions. Instead of making several small openings, the surgeon works through a single incision, usually about 2 centimeters long, placed within the belly button. The da Vinci SP® robotic system delivers a small camera and flexible instruments through this opening, giving the surgeon a detailed view and precise control during the operation.
The robotic system doesn’t perform the surgery on its own. Every movement of the robotic instruments is controlled by Dr. Abtin Khosravi from a nearby console. The system responds to his hand movements and provides a clear, magnified view of the surgical area. This helps the surgeon work with accuracy while protecting nearby tissues.
While this minimally invasive robotic surgery procedure can benefit many patients, it is not suitable for everyone. The type of condition, the patient’s anatomy, and other health factors all help determine whether robotic surgery via a single incision is the right choice.
How Single Port Robotic Surgery Is Different From Traditional Robotic Surgery
Traditional robotic surgery is already a well-established minimally invasive option for many procedures in Orange County. It usually requires several small incisions so the surgeon can place a camera and robotic instruments in different areas of the abdomen. This procedure remains an appropriate treatment option for patients when it is the best fit for their condition.
With Single Port Robotic Surgery, the surgeon uses the da Vinci SP® robotic system to place the camera and surgical instruments through a single incision. The flexible instruments spread out upon entering the body, allowing the surgeon to work in the treatment area without multiple incisions. The surgeon remains in full control of every movement throughout the operation.
One approach is not always better than the other. Each has strengths, and each may be the right option depending on the procedure. Factors such as your anatomy, body mass index (BMI), previous surgeries, and the condition being treated all help determine which approach is the safest.
The newest technology is not always the right choice. The best surgical approach is the one that offers the safest and most effective treatment for your condition. During your consultation, Dr. Khosravi will explain all appropriate options and recommend the one that best fits your individual needs. He will also explain what your treatment may involve, including preparation, recovery, and follow-up care.
The best surgical approach is the one that offers the safest and most effective treatment for your condition.
Procedures Currently Offered Using Single Port Technology
Orange County Robotic General Surgery currently offers Single Port Robotic Surgery for selected gallbladder surgeries and inguinal hernia repairs. These procedures are available only for patients who meet the appropriate medical criteria. Before recommending surgery, Dr. Khosravi carefully reviews each patient’s diagnosis, health history, and surgical needs.
Single Port Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
Gallbladder disease is one condition that may be treated with robotic surgery. Patients with persistent gallstones, ongoing gallbladder inflammation, or biliary colic may need surgery if symptoms continue or become more severe. For eligible patients, single-port robotic gallbladder removal may be performed through a single small incision.
Dr. Khosravi has been performing Single Port robotic gallbladder surgery since October 2025 and has continued incorporating this approach for appropriately selected patients. During your consultation, he will explain whether single incision gallbladder surgery is a good option for your condition. If another surgical method is more appropriate, he will discuss that as well.
Single Port Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair
Selected patients with an inguinal hernia may also qualify for Single Port Robotic Surgery. During this procedure, the instruments enter through a small incision hidden within the belly button. The repair is completed using a minimally invasive approach while the surgeon works carefully within the abdominal wall.
For selected patients, the repair can often be performed within the abdominal wall itself rather than entering the abdominal cavity, which is one of the advantages of the Single Port approach in appropriate cases.
Dr. Khosravi began offering Single Port robotic inguinal hernia repair in June 2026 after being selected by Intuitive as one of the early surgeons helping introduce the da Vinci SP® platform for general surgery.
Benefits of Single Port Robotic Surgery
Every surgical approach has benefits and limitations. The right procedure depends on your condition, not simply on the newest technology. For carefully selected patients, the benefits of Single Port Robotic Surgery may include:
- One small incision rather than several separate incisions.
- Less discomfort around the incision site for appropriately selected patients.
- The incision is usually hidden within the belly button.
Another possible benefit is the clear, magnified view provided by the robotic system. This allows the surgeon to see important structures in greater detail during the operation.
Every patient heals differently, and every operation is unique. Whether Single Port Robotic Surgery in Orange County is the right choice depends on your health, anatomy, and the condition being treated.
Why Patient Selection Matters
Not every patient is a candidate for single-incision robotic surgery. That doesn’t mean another surgical option is less effective. It simply means a different approach may provide a safer or better result.
Several factors help determine who qualifies for Single Port Robotic Surgery. These include your body mass index, anatomy, previous surgeries, medical history, and the complexity of the repair. Each of these details helps your surgeon decide which procedure is the best fit.
Choosing the right operation is more important than choosing the newest technology. Dr. Khosravi evaluates each patient carefully before making a recommendation. His goal is to provide treatment that is safe, effective, and appropriate for the individual.
What Patients Often Overlook About New Robotic Technology
Many patients are interested in the latest medical technology. While new advances can offer important benefits, they are only one part of successful treatment. Good results also depend on careful planning and the surgeon’s experience.
The robotic system is a tool that helps the surgeon perform the operation. It doesn’t make decisions or replace surgical judgment. Every movement is controlled by the surgeon throughout the procedure.
Patients often focus on the technology itself, but the treatment plan is just as important. Sometimes, advanced robotic surgery, such as single port, is the right choice. In other cases, traditional robotic surgery or another minimally invasive approach may be recommended.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Your care will always start with a detailed consultation. Dr. Khosravi will ask about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and any previous operations. He will also review imaging studies and other test results to better understand your condition.
If more information is needed, additional testing may be recommended before surgery. This helps your surgeon plan the safest procedure to deliver long-term results and restore your quality of life. Every recommendation is based on your individual medical needs.
During your visit, you’ll have enough time to discuss all available treatment options. Dr. Khosravi will explain the benefits and limitations of each approach, including whether Single Port Robotic Surgery may be appropriate for you. Together, you will choose the treatment plan that best fits your health and surgical goals. Dr. Khosravi will then explain your recommended treatment plan, including how to prepare and what to expect during recovery.
Recovery After Single Port Robotic Surgery
Recovery after surgery varies from patient to patient. Your overall health, the type of procedure you have, and how your body heals all affect your recovery. Before your operation, Dr. Khosravi will explain what you can expect based on your individual treatment plan and the next steps after surgery.
Many patients are encouraged to get up and walk soon after surgery. Light movement can improve blood flow, reduce stiffness, and support the healing process. Your care team can also teach you how to manage pain, care for your incision, and take any prescribed medications.
Depending on the procedure and your condition, you may be able to return home on the same day as surgery. Before you leave, you will receive instructions about eating, bathing, physical activity, and signs to watch for during recovery. If you have questions after surgery, your care team is available to provide guidance and explain what to do next.
As you recover, your follow-up appointments help your care team assess your progress and decide whether any further follow-up or changes to your care plan are necessary. During these appointments, Dr. Khosravi will check your healing, answer your questions, and discuss when it is safe to return to normal activities.
Why Choose Orange County Robotic General Surgery
The technology a surgeon uses is only one part of the decision. Experience, clinical judgment, and a thoughtful approach to treatment are equally important. Every patient deserves a treatment plan that matches their condition, not a single surgical technique.
As a robotic general surgeon in Orange County, Dr. Abtin Khosravi has extensive experience performing minimally invasive procedures. He is among the first 20 surgeons in the United States selected by Intuitive to help introduce the da Vinci SP® platform for general surgery. He has been performing Single Port robotic gallbladder surgery since October 2025 and began offering Single Port robotic inguinal hernia repair in June 2026 for carefully selected patients.
Dr. Khosravi does not recommend Single Port surgery simply because the technology is available. He offers it only when a patient’s anatomy, body mass index (BMI), medical history, previous surgeries, and surgical complexity make it an appropriate option.
As Single Port technology continues to evolve, additional procedures, including selected ventral hernia repairs and, in the future, hiatal hernia repair and colectomy, may become available when appropriate.