A:
Sparrow Hospital has had robotic-assisted surgery since early 2005 and was one of the first hospitals in the state to make use of the robot for removal of a cancerous prostate gland, a procedure known as a prostatectomy. Sparrow is fortunate to have six urologists who are proficient in robotic surgery and who have already successfully performed more than 400 robotic prostatectomies.Sparrow’s da Vinci® surgical system is robotic, but it cannot be programmed nor can it make decisions on its own. It can, however, take the eyes and expertise of the surgeon inside the patient to perform very precise and delicate surgical procedures. Robotic surgery enhances the capabilities of the surgeon and enables the performance of complex surgery through one-inch incisions.
There are several advantages to choosing robotic surgery instead of abdominal or laparoscopic procedures. The robotic camera increases magnification of the surgical field tenfold, allowing the surgeon more precise movement and better visualization within the operative area. This precision allows the surgeon to more easily avoid severing surrounding tissue and vital nerves.
Patients who have had a robotic prostatectomy tend to have shorter hospital stays, minimal post-operative pain, very little blood loss and less scarring. Studies also indicate robotic surgery patients have as good a long-term survival rate as patients who have had conventional surgery.
Robotic surgeons must have specialized training. Many of the surgeons at Sparrow Health System are qualified to instruct and mentor surgeons who are advancing their skills and gaining robotic expertise. Sparrow has also welcomed several registered nurses and surgical technologists from around the state who are seeking guidance in establishing a robotics program at their local hospital, working in conjunction with Intuitive Surgical Systems, the maker of the da Vinci® robot.
April Morris, RN, MS, NP-C
Ms. Morris is a nurse practitioner and a member of Sparrow Hospital’s da Vinci® Surgical System team.
Please visit www.sparrowrobotics.org for more information and to view Physician introduction videos and patient testimonials.
Posted: 1/8/2008
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