Robotic surgery sounds like something out of a good science fiction novel. But this revolutionary technology is not a futuristic dream but a reality at United Hospital.
United purchased the da VinciŪ Surgical System from Intuitive SurgicalŪ, in Sunnyvale, Calif. This device allows physicians to perform laparoscopic and some complex surgeries more accurately and less invasively than traditional surgical methods.
Only about 600 robotic systems are currently being used in the United States. At United Hospital, the system is being used in prostate surgery, hysterectomies and myomectomies.
A robotic device is simply a mechanical tool that is capable of interacting with the environment; it gives feedback via sensors to the operator who can then send instructions back to the device. For prostate cancer surgery, for instance, it is traditional to make one large incision to remove the organ. With the da Vinci device, the physician makes several, small incisions, through which is fed a tiny camera and special surgical tools. The camera sends images back to the physician who can view them on a 3D monitor. The physician then can make surgical decisions based on what is shown and send these decisions back through the device to be carried out.
In addition to improved accuracy, some studies have shown a reduction in impotency and incontinence in patients. Other benefits of robotic surgery include less:
blood loss
trauma
pain and discomfort
risk of infection
hospital time
overall recovery time
scarring
The da Vinci became available to patients at United Hospital in March 2007.
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