Since March 2006, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center has been providing what may seem like healthcare from the future -- robotic-assisted surgery. The second medical center in Oregon to invest in the da Vinci® Surgical System, this service has since offered the revolutionary  benefits of minimally invasive surgery to our community.

In fact, since it's introduction at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, more than 1,000 gynecologic and prostate surgery patients have benefited from use of the da Vinci Robotic Surgery system.

A variety of surgeons utilize the portable $1.6 million da Vinci® S™ system in several of McKenzie-Willamette's operating rooms. Urologists were the first local surgeons to use the system, performing minimally invasive radical prostatectomies (prostate removal), partial kidney removal (nephrectomy) and bladder removal (cystectomy).

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. Those who are, typically experience less bleeding, pain and scarring, as well as a quicker return to their routine activities.

In late December 2010, McKenzie-Willamette invested in the next generation of robotic surgery technology by installing two daVinci Si systems with dual consoles. Dual consoles provide teaching opportunities by allowing surgeons to work side by side with da Vinci enabled assists.

In March 2011, ENT surgeon David Tom, M.D. performed the first robotic-assisted throat surgery at MWMC.Called trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS), it is used for removing tumors of the throat, larynx, tonsils and tongue base. Dr. Tom, along with the MWMC robotic surgical team, has successfully performed TORS for tonsillectomies and removal of a tongue base tumor.

The throat can be very difficult to access directly. Previously, surgery would require incisions through the neck or by splitting the lip and jaw, which is very invasive.TORS allows for improved visualization with 3 dimensional vision in the throat, along with instruments that are small and very agile.  This allows the surgeon the ability to operate directly through the oral cavity with confidence. 

For more information about robotic-assisted surgery at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, call Oregon Urology Institute, 541-484-0221 / 541-746-1618, the Center for Women's Health, 541-686-7007, or ENT/Garden Way 541-334-3370.

Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks and benefits of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.