Dameron Hospital | Health Outlook | Fall 2020

The da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System, the most advanced model available, consists of several key components: •   Four interactive robotic arms. •   A high-definition, 3-D viewing system. •   A console of physician-controlled instruments where the surgeon sits while operating. •   A cart next to where the patient lies during surgery. In 2000, the da Vinci System was the first robotic surgical platform commercially available in the United States to be cleared by the FDA for use in general laparoscopic surgery, and it is now used in thousands of hospitals worldwide. “We understand the many benefits this has on our patients’ lives because we have been using this same system at Lodi Memorial for the past five years, and the results have been excellent. “It also provides an attractive option for surgeons with a preference for robotic surgery, and this may help us attract more medical expertise to the area. We believe that improving access to excellent care in our community is one of the ways we are fulfilling our mission of living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.” TOP RIGHT: Dameron Hospital’s Surgery Department leadership welcomes LISA, the surgical robot, to the team. LISA stands for less-invasive surgery assistant. ABOVE: Dr. Samarkandy is ready to put the robot through its paces. How does a surgical robot work? The system has been designed to improve upon conventional laparoscopy, in which the surgeon must look up and away from the instruments to a nearby video monitor and must rely on their surgical assistant to position the camera correctly. In contrast, the da Vinci System’s ergonomic design allows the surgeon to operate while seated at the viewing console, with their eyes and hands positioned in line with the instruments. To move the instruments or to reposition the camera, the surgeon simply moves their hands. Not only is this approach more intuitive, it also reduces surgeon fatigue. Although the da Vinci system is referred to as “robotic” surgery, the system is not autonomous. The robot serves as an extension of the surgeon, who maintains complete control of the instruments at all times. For the patient, a da Vinci procedure offers less pain, less blood loss and less need for blood transfusions. Minimally invasive procedures like this support shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery and a faster return to normal activities. DameronHospital.org • Health Outlook  9