Robotic Surgery In The Hands Of Sylvester Surgeons Offers Precision & Eases Recovery
Surgery is a difficult prospect for many patients to accept. Perhaps even more daunting to some is the anticipated recovery. Thanks to the use of breakthrough technology, UHealth – University of Miami Health System is able to alleviate these worries by offering patients less invasive procedures for major surgeries with the da Vinci Xi Surgical System.
With robotic surgery, patients can expect less blood loss and pain, shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to normal activities. These improved outcomes are due to the smaller incisions and greater surgical precision that are possible with robotic assistance. Now, with help from the latest generation of the da Vinci Surgical System, UHealth is providing even greater results for its patients.
UHealth became the first academic medical center in the world to use the new da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System in April 2014, when Dr. Dipen Parekh, Director of Robotic Surgery at University of Miami Hospital, premiered the device.
The da Vinci Xi has broader capabilities than prior generations of the da Vinci system, with the adaptability to be used across an array of surgeries in urology, gynecology, thoracic, cardiac and general surgery. The Xi also possesses 3D-HD visualization, giving surgeons a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient.
The da Vinci Xi system's new overhead arm architecture provides the surgeon anatomical access from virtually any position, simplifying multi-quadrant surgeries. Smaller, thinner arms coupled with longer instrument shafts permit greater range of motion and more flexibility than ever before.
"This latest version of the da Vinci system allows us to offer more minimally invasive surgical options to more patients," said Parekh, who is professor and chairman of urology and at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "Hard-to-reach tumors or those encompassing more than one organ can potentially now be approached with this more adaptable and visually enhanced device."
The da Vinci Xi was first used at UHealth for a prostatectomy performed by Parekh, who is the principal investigator of a National Cancer Institute-funded trial — the only Phase III prospective, randomized trial in the nation comparing traditional open surgery with robotic surgery in bladder cancer, and is one of the surgical options available to patients at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The patient, Keith McKerrow, was shocked to learn he had prostate cancer and wanted the issue resolved. "When you hear a diagnosis like that, the only thing on your mind is getting rid of it," he said.
By using the da Vinci Xi for the prostatectomy, Parekh quickly had McKerrow on the road to recovery. "I was out of the hospital the next day, and now I feel great," McKerrow said.
"Offering our expertise in robotic-assisted surgeries is a clear benefit for our patients," said Parekh, who is a leading specialist in robotic and conventional urologic oncology surgical procedures. "The da Vinci Xi technology allows us to provide state-of-the-art technological advancements to our patients facing complex surgical procedures, and propels the UHealth and Sylvester medical teams to pave the way in clinical care."
"Having the da Vinci Xi system is a distinct advantage that has truly put Sylvester at the leading edge of urologic cancer care," said Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, Director of Sylvester. "Placing the most current technologies, such as the da Vinci Xi robot in the hands of the incredibly talented and experienced surgeons we have at UM, such as Dipen Parekh, means we can offer cancer patients the very best combination of skill and technology. Sylvester is proud to add this capability to our ever growing expertise in the fight against cancer."
Cancer is just one of many diseases for which the Xi can be used. Since that inaugural surgery, the da Vinci Xi has been used in 150 procedures crossing multiple specialties, such as urology, plastic surgery, gynecology and thoracic surgery. "It truly has been remarkable to see the impact the da Vinci Xi has made on UHealth's robotic surgery capabilities," Parekh said. "Since its first use last year we have been able to introduce new procedures into our line of services, including colorectal."
Located at University of Miami Hospital, the da Vinci Xi system was made possible by a generous gift from University of Miami Trustee Paul J. DiMare and his wife, Swanee.
To learn about the da Vinci Xi or to book an appointment with a specialist, call 305-243-6090.
Above content is provided by UHealth System.