The Sutter Roseville Medical Center is now armed with a surgical robotic tool designed to convert complex open procedures into minimally invasive techniques.

Sutter Roseville recently implemented advanced medical technology called the da Vinci Surgical System. The center is now one of more than 930 facilities in the United States to offer this surgical option.

“Multiple clinical studies have shown that the da Vinci Surgical System offers patients shorter hospital stay, reduction in pain and in risk of infection, less blood loss, minimal scarring and faster recovery,” said Kevin Elliott, M.D., an oncologic gynecologist, in a press release.

The da Vinci System consists of an ergonomic surgeon console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance vision system and EndoWrist instruments. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic and computer technology, the system scales, filters and translates the surgeon’s hand movements into the more precise movements of the EndoWrist instruments.

The result provides surgeons with enhanced visualization, dexterity, precision and ergonomic comfort, according to the press release.

The da Vinci provides a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgery site that allows the surgeon to see more detail than is possible with the human eye. Instead of the traditional long incision necessary for open surgery, new tools are inserted through tiny incisions and guided by the surgeon from a special viewing console.

Open surgery has long been considered standard for a wide range of complex conditions. While effective, this surgery usually means significant trauma, including pain and blood loss, followed by weeks of recovery. The combination of precision surgical tools and small incisions create less blood loss and pain, fewer complications and a faster return to normal daily activities.

Currently, Sutter Roseville Medical Center is using the system for gynecologic and urologic procedures, such as hysterectomies for uterine conditions, myomectomies for uterine fibroids and sacrocolpopexies for pelvic organ prolapse.

Sutter plans to expand its use of the system to eventually include removal of the prostate and other general surgeries. It is capable of assisting with 35 different procedures and may be used in an estimated 3.5 million medical procedures annually across the country.

~Sena Christian