Centuries ago, da Vinci was a name associated with an age of enlightenment and scientific discovery.  It's true again today at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center where the daVinci(r) STM robotic-assisted surgery system is now available for minimally invasive procedures. 

For the patient, the new technology translates into less pain and faster recovery. Surgery is performed through several incisions no wider than a fingertip.  A pencil-sized video camera inserted through one of those incisions provides magnified, 3-D images of the surgical site.  The surgeon, seated a few feet away at a computer console, uses hand controls to guide the robot's four arms.  With minimally invasive procedures there is typically less pain and less blood loss.

The hospital installed the $1.6 million da Vinci(r) STM this week.  The portable system can be used by surgeons in several of McKenzie-Willamette's operating rooms.  By the end of March, seven local urologists will be trained to use the daVinci, including Connie DiMarco, MD, David Esrig, MD, Douglas Hoff, MD, Bryan Mehlhaff, MD, Olof Sohlberg, MD, and Brady Walker, MD.  Dr. David DiMarco is already experienced at performing robotic-assisted surgery.  The urologists plan to begin immediately offering robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies (prostate removal). 

In 2000, the daVinci system, developed by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., became the first robotic system cleared by the FDA for general laparoscopic surgery.  Since then, it's been FDA-approved for cardiac, urologic and gynecologic procedures.

A traditional, open radical prostatectomy requires two days of hospitalization and recovery lasting about four weeks.  With robotic-assisted surgery, those times can be reduced.  Not all patients will be suitable candidates for robotic-assisted surgery.  McKenzie-Willamette and the urology physicians plan a series of free informational seminars in coming months about minimally invasive surgical techniques. 

Questions? Email wecare@mckweb.com or call 726-4789.