Cutting Edge da Vinci® Robotic Surgery Good for the Workplace
Losing time from work due to surgery can be costly for both employee and employer. Laparoscopic, or minimally invasive surgery, has helped speed the recovery process for many, however due to the limited capabilities of the technology only a few routine procedures can be performed. Now, through a new computer assisted robotic surgery, a large array of minimally invasive surgeries can be performed where patients may experience a shorter hospital stay, fewer complications, and a shorter recovery time for a faster return to normal daily activities.
da Vinci® Robotic Surgery got its name from Leonardo da Vinci, who created the first robot. He also used unparalleled anatomical accuracy and three-dimensional details to bring his masterpieces to life. The da Vinci system similarly provides physicians with such enhanced detail and precision that the system can simulate an open surgical environment while allowing operation through tiny incisions.
During da Vinci surgery, miniaturized EndoWrist® instruments and a high-definition 3-D camera are inserted into the body through dime-size incisions. The pencil-size EndoWrist instruments are designed to mimic and enhance the natural movement of the surgeon's wrists and hands-they can bend back and forth, side to side, and rotate in a full circle, which allows for an even greater range of motion than humanly possible. The inserted camera, or endoscope, projects a magnified, full-color 3-D image of the internal structures to a nearby viewing console where the surgeon is able to sit comfortably. Using finger, wrist and hand controls, the surgeon manipulates the miniaturized robotic instruments just as if he or she were standing over the patient during open surgery. However, with the da Vinci surgical system, the surgeon's movements are scaled, filtered and translated into more precise micro-movements. This means that the machine eliminates any hand tremors to make even smaller, more controlled movements in tighter, difficult-to-reach spaces.
da Vinci computer-assisted robotic surgery happens in hospitals world-wide, in real time. In Asheville, urologist Kenny Simpkins, MD, is one of seven surgeons at Mission Hospital using this new technology. He has performed prostatectomies on patients who have all recovered from this procedure with smaller incisions, a shorter recovery time, and fewer chances of side effects including nerve damage, incontinence, or erectile dysfunction.
The full-color high definition image the surgeon sees is startlingly clear, one that Dr. Simpkins says is not possible to see in laparoscopic surgery. "Precision is better because the camera of the system gives me a clear magnified 3-D view of the anatomy I'm working on," says Simpkins. The patient has greater chances of a quicker recovery than possible with open surgery. "My patients resume normal activity within one to two weeks," says Simpkins. "They feel better because the blood loss is significantly less, and post operative pain is minimal. It's amazing- most take just one pain medication after surgery."
The da Vinci computer assisted robotic surgery is also being used for gynecological procedures at Mission, with similar benefits. "When a woman has been diagnosed with uterine or cervical cancer, that woman should understand that she has surgery options," said gynecologic oncologist Timothy Vanderkwaak, MD. "The benefits of robotic surgery have been clear. This has allowed us to perform technically superior procedures using minimally invasive techniques."
The idea of a robot operating on you can be intimidating. However, the surgeon is in complete control. The machine cannot be programmed, or make movements, decisions, or surgical maneuvers without direct input from the surgeon at the viewing console.
During the course of an operation, the system performs numerous safety self checks. In the event of a power interruption, it will shut down, allowing the surgeon to remain in control of the procedure and finish conventionally.
As of June 2009, Doctors at Mission have had performed 750 total da Vinci cases to date. That's 750 people who may have been able return to work faster.
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