Art and Science Meet: The human touch is made remarkable by the da Vinci® surgical robot––Texoma Medical Center

Art and Science Meet: The human touch is made remarkable by the da Vinci® surgical robot 

Courtesy Texoma Medical Center, Texoma LIVING WELL Magazine

Not that long ago, robots existed only in our imaginations. Today, minimally invasive surgery has taken great strides forward with the assistance of a robot at Texoma Medical Center (TMC). Developed by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., the da Vinci® Si HD Surgical System incorporates advances in robotics and computer technology with the artful skills of physicians. And where laparoscopic and other minimally invasive techniques are appropriate for many simple procedures, robotic-assisted surgeries can handle complex situations.

Traditional surgery is performed with a large, open incision. Laparoscopy uses small incisions but is most often limited to simple procedures. With the da Vinci, surgeons can offer minimally invasive procedures for many complex procedures.

How the da Vinci robot works

In the sterile environment of the operating room, a TMC surgeon sits at a console, viewing a three-dimensional, high-definition, magnified image of the patient’s anatomy. Hand-held controls enable the surgeon to move the instrument’s arms and camera. In real-time, the system translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise movements of the miniaturized instruments inside the patient’s body.

The da Vinci robot arms have more flexibility, better dexterity and a greater range of motion than the human hand, and the system eliminates normal hand tremors. This amazing technology replicates the experience of open surgery by preserving natural eye-hand-instrument alignment and surgical instrument control. The da Vinci is programmed to respond only to maneuvers by the surgeon at the console, so the doctor remains completely in charge at all times.

da Vinci-assisted surgeries

At Texoma Medical Center, surgeons utilize the da Vinci Surgical System for general surgery as well as specialty surgeries such as gynecology and urology. Common gynecological procedures include treatment for heavy uterine bleeding, gynecologic cancer, uterine fibroids and uterine prolapse. Urological surgeries include treatment for bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, kidney disorders and prostate cancer.

First single-site gallbladder surgery

TMC general surgeon Aaron Cernero, DO, recently performed the hospital’s first da Vinci® Single-Site™ cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery). Using robotic assistance, Dr. Cernero removed the patient’s gallbladder through a one-inch incision in the belly button, leaving only a small, nearly invisible scar. “This remarkable system is the only one of its type in this area”, says Dr. Cernero. “For the first time, this procedure makes it possible to remove the gall bladder with one small incision versus multiple cuts with other types of minimally invasive surgery.” The surgery can be performed in just about one hour with a typical hospital stay of less than 24 hours.

Benefits for patients

“Texoma Medical Center is providing the technology that patients have clearly shown they prefer,” says J. Patrick McGrael, MD, FACS, urology, who is also da Vinci trained. “For example, a surgeon can now perform a partial nephrectomy––removing just the cancerous portion instead of the whole kidney. This is much better for patients.”

Other patient benefits include fewer complications, low blood loss, significantly less pain and discomfort, lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, reduced scarring for better function and higher patient satisfaction.

“As a Texoma area native, I am pleased that we can offer this type of high quality medical care here in our region”, says Dr. Cernero. “With tools such as the Single-Site™ da Vinci® System, patients are able to ‘stay home’ to get the care they need. When patients are able to stay closer to home, everyone benefits.”

Jeffrey Cadeddu, MD, agrees. Director of the UT Southwestern Center for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Urologic Cancer and a world-renowned leader in the treatment of prostate and kidney disorders, Dr. Cadeddu performs monthly robotic surgeries at TMC. With the da Vinci® Surgical System, Texoma Medical Center is able to offer the same world-class capabilities as healthcare systems in much larger cities and metropolitan areas,” he says. “By relieving the patient of having to travel to unfamiliar surroundings, we can provide an optimal patient experience and ultimately, better outcomes.”

To be the first hospital in the Texoma region to offer robotic procedures demonstrates Texoma Medical Center’s leadership in providing patients with the most current and advanced surgical options.

Information is provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to be relied upon for the treatment of any particular condition. If you have concerns or questions about specific symptoms that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Physicians are on the medical staff of Texoma Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Texoma Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 

Visit www.TexomaMedicalCenter.net for more information. To find a physician who performs minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci robot, call Direct DoctorsSM Plus at 903-416-DOCS (3627), a FREE physician referral service.