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Winter 2015-2016
SHINE
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Technology has provided
doctors with some pretty
great tools. Where would we
be without the stethoscope or
the MRI?
Most recently, the robotic
da Vinci
®
Surgical System
has become one of those
highly preferred tools,
enhancing surgeons’ precision
for advanced minimally
invasive procedures.
But remember, this robot
is just a tool — a surgeon
controls its every move.
“Patients often ask how
the robot works,” says Anand
Lodha, MD, FASCRS, colorectal
surgeon at Methodist Dallas
Medical Center. “When they
understand that the robot
only does what we ask it to
do through guided, controlled
hand movements, they feel
more at ease.”
The surgeon is in control
During a procedure, the
surgeon sits at a nearby
console, analyzing a
magnified 3-D image of the
body’s interior. Using master
controls to guide specialized
instruments — which move
in sync with the surgeon’s
hands — he or she performs
the surgical tasks.
“For the surgeon, there’s
better visualization and
greater dexterity,” says
Gary Alexander, MD, FACS,
general surgeon at Methodist
Mansfield Medical Center.
“The most important benefits,
though, go to the patient: less
blood loss, less pain, and a
quicker recovery.”
HIGH-TECH TOOL
WITH A HUMAN TOUCH
that had been prescribed. Within a
couple of weeks, I was ready to start
focusing on my new job.”
Micheal says that she
recommends da Vinci at
Methodist Health System
to anyone considering
a hysterectomy.
“Everyone on my
Methodist Mansfield
team was so helpful and
friendly,” she says. “At
every step, they took the
time to make sure that I had
the information and answers I
needed about what was going
to happen next.
“Getting rid of the pain was
so freeing — it really changed
my life,” she adds. “Having this
surgery was one of the best decisions
I’ve ever made.”
WHAT DA VINCI CAN DO
Find out more
about all the robotic procedures we offer
at
MethodistHealthSystem.org/DaVinci .