Robotic Surgery Using the da Vinci® Surgical System is Now Available at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital
November 9, 2015Tags: 2015
James Barter, MD., medical director, gynecologic oncology research, Holy Cross Health, performed the first robotic surgery at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. During robotic surgery, small incisions are used to insert cameras and instruments that are guided by the surgeon through robotic arms of the da Vinci system. The surgeon operates while seated at the da Vinci console, viewing a highly magnified 3D image of the body’s interior and using master controls to guide the robot.
Robotic surgery is now available at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, with the arrival of the da Vinci Surgical System this month. The hospital opened in October 2014 and features advanced surgical technology and techniques — now including robotic-assisted procedures — to successfully treat patients who require surgery for a wide range of conditions. Minimally invasive procedures benefit patients through better outcomes, less pain, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications and faster recovery.
Holy Cross Health has long been a regional leader in minimally invasive surgery, including the use of advanced robotic and laparoscopic procedures that have reduced the need for open, more invasive surgical techniques. Holy Cross Hospital was the first hospital in Montgomery County to offer minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci surgical robot in 2008.
Within the first three days after arrival, four cases were performed on the daVinci robot, with more robotic-assisted operations being scheduled.
James Barter, MD, medical director of gynecologic oncology research, Holy Cross Health, performed the first robotic surgery at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital — a da Vinci-assisted hysterectomy and salpingectomy.
Bryan Steinberg, MD, thoracic surgeon, performed two robotic-assisted thoracoscopy procedures and Dr. Albert Steren, medical director, gynecologic oncology and minimally invasive gynecology, Holy Cross Health, used the da Vinci robot in surgery to repair endometriosis.
During robotic surgery, small incisions are used to insert cameras and instruments that are guided by the surgeon through robotic arms using the da Vinci® system. Surgeons remain in complete control of the procedure without ever touching the patient's body. The robot replicates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into precise real-time movements. That means our surgeons can perform more intricate— and more delicate procedures—with much less tissue trauma, and patients can often be out of the hospital the very same day.
Bryan Steinberg, MD, (pictured right) thoracic surgeon, led two thoracic surgeries during the da Vinci's first week at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. Just prior to surgery, he positions the system's robotic arms, which include a high-performance vision system and instruments that are inserted into the patient's body. The arms are guided by the surgeon from the da Vinci's console.
