Allen Hospital Brings Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Closer to Patients

 

 

On February 8, 2010, Allen Hospital became the first in the Cedar Valley to introduce minimally invasive robotic surgeries. Dr. Bill Kaaki of Allen OB/GYN used Allen’s new da Vinci® Surgical System to perform both a hysterectomy and an oophorectomy, a procedure to remove ovaries.

 

“The first procedures went very well,” said Dr. Kaaki. “It’s exciting to offer this advanced treatment. We’ve been performing minimally invasive gynecological surgeries using standard laparoscopic techniques for some time. This new option provides even greater benefits.”

 

The da Vinci Surgery System is used worldwide at more than 900 leading medical centers. It enhances the capabilities of Allen surgeons by giving them high-definition, 3-D vision during surgery and more precise control of surgical instruments.Surgeons sit comfortably at a command console while viewing the surgery site and controlling small instruments to perform the operation. The system translates surgeons’ hand movements on the controls into precise movements of the surgical robot and surgical instruments inside the body.

 

Instruments pass in and out of the body through several tiny openings, each smaller than a dime. Because the incisions are so small, da Vinci Surgery patients experience less pain and scarring. Patients have less blood loss and a lower risk for infection. They typically have shorter hospital stays, a faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities. 

 

The hospital anticipates more surgeons will introduce additional da Vinci procedures later this year.“We are enthusiastic about bringing da Vinci Surgery to the Cedar Valley,” said Rick Seidler, Allen Hospital president and CEO. “It’s an important investment in patient care. This is where surgery is going, and Allen needs to have it for our surgeons and our patients. It’s like the 128-slice CT scanner we added last March. These are state-of-the-art tools our physicians and staff need to help us provide the best outcome for every patient, every time.”

 

To learn more about Allen da Vinci Surgery, click here, or call Allen OB/GYN in Waterloo at 319-235-5050.