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 assisted 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 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

•  Robotic-assisted surgery (1 min.)
• See our 30-second TV spot on robotic-assisted surgery 

Published April 2008.

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