United Hospital hosts live webcast of robotic treatment for uterine fibroids
Replay of myomectomy using the da Vinci S® Surgical System now available
ST. PAUL, Minn. 09/10/2008--United Hospital is using the da Vinci S® Surgical System to treat uterine fibroids. The new surgical procedure called robotic myomectomy allows patients to return to normal activities within 48 hours.
On Tuesday, August 26, United Hospital hosted a live webcast of a robotic myomectomy. A replay of the webcast with surgeons Ragnvald Mjanger, MD; and Eric J. English, MD, is now available on www.OR-live.com.
Robotic surgery to remove uterine fibroids
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, at least 25 percent of women suffer from uterine fibroids, the most frequent type of pelvic tumor seen by gynecologists. Uterine fibroids can be treated with medicine, hormonal therapy or surgery.
"For many patients, a robotic myomectomy is the way to go when choosing a surgical approach for the removal of fibroid tumors," said Mjanger.
When operating with da Vinci S®, the surgeon is seated a few feet away from the patient at a console. The console controls robotic arms holding a tiny camera and special surgical tools. These instruments operate through several small incisions. The camera sends images back to the surgeon who sees them on a 3D monitor. The surgeon makes decisions based on what is shown and sends surgical directions back through the device to be carried out.
"The robot is technically an extension of my hands," said English. "I can physically take out a larger tumor and repair it with very little damage to the tissue surrounding the tumor. This is very important for women who are choosing this surgery and want the ability to potentially have children in the future."
About United Hospital
United Hospital, the largest hospital in the Twin Cities east metro area, is a non-profit hospital providing a full range of health care services to more than 200,000 people each year. United offers a wide range of health services including a birth center, cardiac care in the Nasseff Heart Center, emergency care, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences and epilepsy, a pain center, rehabilitation, medical imaging and surgery. More information about United Hospital, which is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, can be found on www.unitedhospital.com.
About Allina Hospitals & Clinics
Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit system of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11 hospitals, 65 clinics and health care services, including home care, hospice and palliative care, oxygen and medical equipment, pharmacies and emergency medical transportation. More about Allina and the latest health information can be found online at www.allina.com.
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