More Physicians, More Impact.

In little less than a year, Porter's da Vinci surgery program has become one of the fastest growing programs in Indiana and now has seven physicians who have undergone detailed, advanced level training where they learned to perform procedures with the robotic system.

"Urologist Mark Dabagia MD was the first Porter physician to use the da Vinci robotic platform and was instrumental in bringing the technology to the area. Adam Perlmutter, DO, a Urologist and the region's only fellowship-trained Urologic Oncologist, also has extensive da Vinci training and experience," noted Tanya Toth, RN Director of Surgery. As the benefits of performing surgery with this system became more apparent and its applications for other uses became clear, several OB/GYNs were trained on the da Vinci. "Right now, Kurt Wiese, MD; Jennifer Murphy, MD; Cheryl Short. MD; Crystal Strickland, MD; and William Kobak, MD are performing gynecological procedures with da Vinci," Toth said, "and, over time, I think we may see other physicians incorporating robotic surgeries into their treatment protocols"

 

Although the name may be confusing, robotic-assisted procedures are not performed by the robot. The doctors, assisted by a surgical team at the patient's side, make all of the decisions; the system cannot be programmed to make decisions on its own.

An alternative to traditional open surgeries and laparoscopic procedures, Drs. Dabagia and Permutter find the da Vinci is especially suited for prostatectomy's (the removal of the prostrate gland). The system offers an enhanced view of the structure, which is especially important because it allows the delicate prostate nerves that control bladder and sexual function to be spared. Similarly, Drs. Wiese, Murphy, Short, Strickland, and Kobak find the da Vinci a good tool for performing hysterectomies and for the treatment of endometriosis. The doctors clearly see all of the structures in the abdominal cavity, including very small capillaries that may not be seen in an open surgery. These capillaries are easily cauterized using a special tool on the robotic arms, thereby keeping blood loss to a minimum. The improved visualization also allows other other organs and tissue to be carefully repositioned, thus saving them undo trauma .

While the da Vinci system will not completely replace open surgery or even standard laparoscopic surgery, it is definitely finding the favor with physicians in the treatment of some prostate cancers and other urologic problems as well as the treatment of certain endometrial and cervical cancers and conditions. Its ability to provide 3D images, its highly articulated robotic arms, it's precision, and its control allow the da Vinci to treat a broad range of conditions using a minimally invasive approach. Talk to your physician to learn more about robotic surgery.