Baptist Hospital News

Contact: Kristi Gooden, 615/284-5446, kristi.gooden@baptisthospital.com

BAPTIST HOSPITAL ADDS NEWEST ROBOTIC SURGERY SYSTEM
Da Vinci Si HD Robotic-Assisted Surgery Enables Minimally-Invasive Approach to Complex Procedures
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – Jan. 15, 2010 - Baptist Hospital has added the most advanced robotic surgery system available, the da Vinci Si High Definition Surgical System. Robotic-assisted surgery allows physicians to perform laparoscopic and some complex surgical procedures more accurately and less invasively than traditional surgical methods.
 
The da Vinci Si HD system is the first in the world to create a three-dimensional, high-definition view with better color and depth perception for surgeons. Using two small cameras, the system projects a highly-detailed view of the operative field. Surgeons work at a kiosk with controls that connect to very small surgical instruments. The kiosk’s controls use Intuitive® motion technology to mimic natural hand and wrist movements, allowing surgeons the same precision they enjoy in traditional open surgeries. An updated interface also allows for streamlined setup and turnover in the operating room.
 
At Baptist Hospital, the da Vinci surgical system is used for complex gynecological procedures, including hysterectomies and myomectomies, and to treat gynecological conditions such as cervical and uterine cancer, uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Prostate surgeries are also performed using the robot. Baptist Hospital has offered robotic surgery since 2005 and completed nearly 800 robotics procedures in its Comprehensive Surgery Center.
 
“Baptist Hospital performs more gynecologic robotics procedures than any other Nashville hospital and our demand for robotic surgery has increased over the past year,” said Bernie Sherry, president and CEO. “Our surgeons have been involved in improving the use of the robot and we’re excited to provide this new system, which offers improved treatment and recovery for our patients.”
 
Procedures using the da Vinci Si HD only require small incisions in the patient’s body, so patients experience less blood loss, less pain and discomfort, less scarring, quicker recovery time and a shorter stay in the hospital.
 
“With the da Vinci, I’m able to remove pelvic organs and lymph nodes through tiny incisions, which normally allows the patient to go home the day after surgery and return to work in less than two weeks,” said Dr. Laura Williams, a board certified gynecologic oncologist at Baptist Hospital, who has worked with the da Vinci surgical system’s manufacturer, Intuitive Surgical, on advancing minimally invasive robotic techniques.
 
“Some patients are surprised to learn that we can use a robot during their surgery,” said Dr. John Wheelock, a gynecologic oncologist at Baptist Hospital. “More patients need to ask about it as an option. Patients are happy to learn that they can leave the hospital sooner and recover faster. For some cancer patients, it means they can move on to the next phase of their treatment, such as chemo or radiation, sooner.”
 
For more information about the da Vinci Si HD, visit www.intuitivesurgical.com.

Saint Thomas Health Services is a faith-based ministry with more than 6,500 associates serving Middle Tennessee. Saint Thomas Health Services' regional health system consists of four hospitals - Baptist and Saint Thomas in Nashville, Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro and Hickman Community Hospital in Centerville - and a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures in diagnostics, cardiac services and ambulatory surgery as well as medical practices, the Center for Spinal Surgery, clinics and rehabilitation facilities. STHS is a member of Ascension Health, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sths.com.