Union Hospital has recently acquired robotic surgery technology with 3D in HD (high-definition). The da Vinci S Surgical System integrates 3D HD laparoscopy and state-of-the-art robotic technology to virtually extend the surgeon's eyes and hands into the surgical field. The system is designed to enable new, minimally invasive options for complex surgical procedures.
For the patient, a da Vinci procedure can offer all the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure, including less pain, less blood loss and less need for blood transfusions. Patients have a shorter hospital stay, a quicker recovery and faster return to normal activities. Clinical studies also suggest the da Vinci System may help surgeons provide better clinical outcomes than conventional technologies allow.
Initially, the da Vinci system will be used at Union Hospital for treatment of prostate cancer and other urological procedures as well as for hysterectomies and other gynecological procedures.
Traditional radical prostatectomy, which is the removal of the prostate gland, requires a large, 8- to 10-inch incision. The da Vinci prostatectomy involves five one-centimeter incisions. The precision and 360-degree rotation of the micro-instruments enable the surgeon to remove the prostate while protecting the anatomy and nerve bundles that affect urination and erection. Da Vinci patients have significantly less pain and recover much faster because greater surgical precision leads to improved clinical outcomes.
The center has 11 operating rooms, with one dedicated to urologic cytology procedures and one dedicated to open heart procedures. It is staffed with specially trained personnel to address scheduled and emergency cases.
Why da Vinci HD Is Better
HD projection provides twice the effective viewing resolution and 20 percent more viewing area compared to da Vinci's standard 3D vision system. The unparalleled HD image improves clarity and detail of tissue and anatomy, which is crucial for complex dissection and reconstructive procedures.
The da Vinci System enhances surgical capabilities by enabling the performance of complex surgeries through tiny surgical openings. The surgeon sits in an ergonomic console just a few feet from the patient and views the surgical site through the HD 3D viewer. The robot sits above the patient. It has several mechanical arms that hold a camera as well as surgical instruments. The surgeon uses hand controls and foot pedals to manipulate the robotic arms.
The da Vinci System offers improvement over conventional laparoscopy, in which the surgeon operates while standing, using hand-held, long-shafted instruments. With conventional laparoscopy, the surgeon must look up and away from the instruments, to a nearby 2D video monitor to see an image of the target anatomy. The surgeon must also rely on an assistant to position the camera correctly.
In contrast, the da Vinci System's design allows the surgeon to operate from a comfortable, seated position at the console, with eyes and hands positioned in line with the instruments. Fingertip control of the instruments, greater range of movement than the human wrist and tremor reduction make the surgeon's movement extremely precise and minimize opportunities for human error.