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Robotic technology enables minimally invasive options
Massey physicians now offer the latest in robotic surgery technology with the addition of the da Vinci Surgical System. In the hands of our surgeons, the da Vinci state-of-the art robotic platform enables a minimally invasive option for complex and delicate surgical procedures.
For the patient, benefits of robotic surgery may include:
- Significantly less pain
- Less blood loss and scarring
- Shorter recovery times,
- A faster return to normal activities
- Better clinical outcomes.
Da Vinci benefits gynecologic oncology
“My patients love it,” says Cecelia Boardman, M.D., FACS, the first gynecologic oncologist in the region to use the da Vinci Surgical System for gynecologic cancers. Boardman is the only local surgeon using robotic surgery for radical hysterectomies for patients with early stage cervical cancer. She also offers robotic surgical options for endometrial and cervical cancers, hysterectomies and removal of ovaries.
The da Vinci is a state-of-the-art robotic platform that enables surgeons to direct instruments through very small incisions using controls that move like a human wrist, providing increased dexterity and precision. “I’m the one driving,” explains Boardman. “My hands are directing the procedure at all times. The robot is just holding my instruments and doing what I tell it to do.
“We have been doing minimally invasive surgery for 20 years,” she adds. “What’s new is robotics provide wristed action, enabling me to operate my instruments within a 360-degree range of motion. That makes it much easier to get precise results within a very small space at difficult angles.”
For more information about gynecologic oncology, visit www.vcudavincigynsurgery.com. For an appointment, phone (804) 560-8968.
Urologic Tumor Center uses da Vinci robotics
Lance Hampton, M.D., co-director of Massey’s Urologic Tumor Center, agrees. “It’s a huge plus for our patients,” he says.
“The big challenge in prostate cancer surgery is sparing the nerves,” explains Hampton. “The da Vinci provides magnified 3-D vision, which greatly improves my ability to work around the nerves, minimizing risk and preserving the patient’s sexual function and continence.
“During kidney surgery, the robotic platform allows me to fully appreciate the intricate 3-D spatial relationships of large blood vessels around the kidney in order to minimize blood loss,” he adds.
For more information about the Urologic Tumor Center, visit www.massey.vcu.edu/UTC or call (804) 828-5116 for appointments.
