Newest Patient Options For Surgery: Southwest General offers the most advanced minimally invasive surgery (MIS) equipment in an ergonomically designed environment as well as through sophisticated, robotic-assisted technology: the da Vinci S Surgical System.
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is an alternative to traditional surgery. It is performed using much smaller incisions or openings than traditional surgery. The openings, sometimes called ports or keyholes, can be as little as one or two centimeters in length. Specially designed surgical instruments are inserted into the openings. The instruments include endoscopes, laparoscopes or thorascopes--elighted tubes with tiny magnifying cameras, which project images onto a two-dimensional monitor. The surgeon operates by viewing the monitor.
For patients, the less invasive approach of MIS offer many benefits:
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Minimal tissue damage with less scarring and improved cosmetic appearance
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Substantially less post-operative pain and discomfort
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Less risk of infection
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Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
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Shorter recovery
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Faster return to normal activities
MIS also is referred to as "keyhole surgery," surgical endoscopy, laparoscopic surgery and thorascopic surgery.
MIS PROCEDURES
Through very small incisions, surgeons can now perform a variety of complex surgical procedures, reaching a broad range of patients. Currently, surgeons at Southwest General offer minimally invasive procedures in:
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Gastric surgery
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General surgery
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Gynecological surgery
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Neurosurgery
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Orthopedic surgery
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Podiatric surgery
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Surgical oncology
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Thoracic surgery
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Urological surgery
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Vascular surgery
STATE-OF-THE-ART: Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Southwest General uses the da Vinci S Surgical System, which is state-of-the-art robotic surgery technology designed to extend the benefits of MIS to the broadest possible base of patients. This technology provides less invasive, more precise procedures, which may improve patient outcomes in a variety of cases.
Two hallmark da Vinci procedures are:
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Prostatectomy:
Approximately 16 percent of American men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. one of the most common treatment options for prostate cancer is prostatectomy--surgical removal of the prostate gland. Traditional prostatectomy requires a large eight- to 10-inch incision, which can result in substantial blood loss and a long, uncomfortable recovery. Also, because of the gland's location in the male reproductive system, surgery poses the risk of impotence and incontinence. da Vinci prostatectomy is less invasive than open prostatectomy and is setting a new standard for surgical treatment of prostate cancer. It produces smaller incisions, and studies suggest it may reduce the risk of post-surgical urinary incontinence and impotence--because of improved visualization and precision.
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Hysterectomy:
Hysterectomy, surgical removal of the uterus, and sometimes the ovaries, is the treatment of choice for many conditions affecting the uterus. Traditional hysterectomy is performed using a six- to 12-inch incision, which may result in significant blood loss and a long recovery period.
da Vinci hysterectomy may be an option, offering a more precise, minimally invasive procedure and a faster return to normal activities.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about MIS at Southwest General, including procedures performed with the da Vinci S Surgical System, call 440-816-5050.