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University of Missouri Health Care first to offer robotic surgery University of Missouri Health Care is the first health system in mid-Missouri to offer robotic minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci® Surgical System. The da Vinci surgical robot will assist University of Missouri Health Care surgeons in performing complex minimally invasive procedures. Initially, it will be used for prostate cancer, hysterectomy and gastrointestinal surgery. With the da Vinci robot, patients can expect tiny incisions, minimal scarring, shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, a reduced risk of infection and a quicker return to normal daily activities. "The da Vinci robot may be the most effective, least invasive surgical option available today," said Jim Ross, chief executive officer of University of Missouri Health Care. "This technology will position University of Missouri Health Care as a leader in robotic surgery for the future. We're proud to be able to offer this state-of-the-art technology to our patients." Every movement of the robot is controlled by human hands. During an operation, the surgeon sits a few feet away from the patient and views a magnified three-dimensional, high definition image on a console. Using hand controls, the surgeon is able to guide the robot's four interactive arms, which are positioned inside the patient. The surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements translate into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient. The surgeon uses the assistance of the da Vinci to operate through tiny holes in the abdomen instead of a large open incision. Each hole is one to two centimeters in length, or smaller than a dime. With the smaller incision, patients often experience less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times compared to laparoscopic and open surgeries. "Instead of spending four or five days in the hospital and another six to eight weeks of recovery time, patients undergoing a prostatectomy or hysterectomy using the da Vinci may leave the hospital the next day and return to normal activities within two to three weeks," said Scott Troxel, MD, a urologist and medical director of robotic surgery for University of Missouri Health Care. With the da Vinci, surgeons benefit from improved dexterity, an increased range of motion and an enhanced visual image of the surgical field, including tissues and the anatomy. Even though it is often referred to as a robot, the surgeon is in full control of the da Vinci at all times. "The da Vinci robot allows our surgeons to offer our patients a new level of surgical precision, while also making it possible to use minimally invasive surgical techniques for more difficult procedures," said Steven Dresner, MD, a urologist and chief of staff at Columbia Regional Hospital, where the da Vinci robot will be located. "We're excited that Columbia Regional Hospital is the only hospital in mid-Missouri offering patients the da Vincida Vinci." University of Missouri Health Care invested approximately $1.6 million to purchase the da Vinci robot. The purchase was approved by the University of Missouri Board of Curators during its June 6 meeting. The da Vinci Surgical System is the only robotic-assisted surgical system available for use in minimally invasive procedures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the da Vinci to assist in minimally invasive surgeries including cardiac, urology, gynecologic, pediatric and general surgery procedures. University of Missouri Health Care's system of hospitals, clinics and telehealth sites employs approximately 5,700 clinicians, scientists, educators and other health professionals. The system includes University Hospital and Clinics, Children's Hospital, Columbia Regional Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and University Physicians, all based in Columbia, Mo. The health system also includes a long-term acute care facility, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, in Mount Vernon, Mo. E-mail this page | | Print this page |
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