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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
In the past ten years, new devices have given
surgeons the ability to conduct surgery through small incisions. We call this
type of surgery "minimally invasive" because it does not require large
incisions and long hospital stays. The techniques and devices, which are
sometimes called "scopes," bring a lot of benefits to patients. At Southwest
Washington Medical Center, we're committed to using them whenever and wherever
we can.
The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include
- less pain, trauma, and loss of function to the patient
- decreased blood loss during surgery
- increased safety
- shorter recovery
Not all surgeries or exams can be minimally invasive, Southwest Washington
Medical Center surgeons and other specialists perform more than 50 different
surgical procedures using minimally-invasive techniques. A few of these
include:
- Gall Bladder Removal
- Appendectomy
- Hernia Repair
- Thyroid Treatment
- Liver Biopsy
- Kidney Surgery
- Ovarian Cyst Removal
- Sinus Surgery
- Spine Surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
What is the da Vinci Surgical
System?
The da Vinci Surgical System uses advanced robotic technology allowing
physicians to operate through small, dime-size abdominal incisions and direct
robot 'arms' to perform surgery with a variety of specialized surgical
instruments. Seated at a console, the physician views the surgical area
through a tiny endoscope camera that reveals three-dimensional images
magnified significantly larger than the actual size. The controls at the
console allow the physician to move the robotic 'hands' with precision,
eliminating the natural tremor of even the steadiest of human
hands.
What are the advantages of the da Vinci Surgical
System?
A quicker recovery. Robotic surgery
reduces pain and trauma to the body, allowing patients to recover quicker and
return to their normal activities faster than with traditional open
surgery.
A better view. Cameras used in normal endoscopic surgery
provide two-dimensional images. The da Vinci system provides 3-D images
that can be magnified allowing physicians to get a better look at the operating
area.
More with less. The da Vinci allows surgeons to use
minimally invasive surgical techniques for a greater number of surgical
procedures.
What procedures can be performed using the da
Vinci Surgical System?
daVinic Surgical System is currently being used to help treat the following
conditions:
- Urological surgeries (Surgical treatment for prostate
cancer and other conditions affecting the prostate)
- Gynecological surgeries (Hysterectomy, endometrial and cervical cancers,
ovarian masses, pelvic floor surgeries, uterine fibroids)
What physicians at Southwest are currently trained to use the da
Vinci Surgical System?
Gynecological Oncology Procedures:
- R. Scott Rushing, MD, gynecologic oncology, Northwest
Cancer Specialists, 800.558.6989
- William Winter, MD gynecologic oncology, Northwest Cancer Specialists,
800.558.6989
Urology Procedures:
- Christopher Arroyo, MD, urology, The Urology Clinic of
Southwest Washington, 360.256.8836
- Douglas Masson, MD, urology, The Urology Clinic of Southwest Washington,
360.256.8836
Gynecological/Pelvic Floor Procedures:
- Lynn Osmundsen, MD, gynecology, Aethena Gynecology,
360.693.7878
- Leslie Struxness, MD, gynecology, Aethena Gynecology, 360.693.7878
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