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HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Robot-Assisted Surgery at New Jersey ’ s Top Hospitals

This minimally invasive option shortens hospital stays and saves lives .
Compiled by Miles Z . Epstein Editor , COMMERCE

With robot-assisted surgery , hospitals have a minimally invasive medical option that can be used for cancer , cardiac , gynecologic and urologic surgeries — often with dime-sized incisions and a lesser need for blood transfusions . Here are some examples of how New Jersey ’ s top hospitals are using this technology to care for and treat patients .

Atlantic Health System By James C . Wittig , M . D ., Medical Director , Orthopedic Oncology ; Chairman of the Dept . of Orthopedics , Morristown Medical Center
Over the past few years here at Morristown Medical Center , we ’ ve dramatically increased our volume of patients who undergo knee and hip replacements using Mako Robotic Arm-Assisted Surgery . Mako takes a CT scan of a patient ’ s knee or hip and creates a 3D model that surgeons use to establish a preoperative plan and execute the surgery with the utmost precision . Because Mako allows for smaller incisions and aids in finding the optimal positioning for hip and knee replacement components , our surgeons have consistently performed joint replacements with the highest level of precision possible — even among patients with the most complex joint , hip and knee deformities . This has enabled surgery to be performed with smaller incisions and less pain with faster recuperation .
Hackensack Meridian Health , Hackensack University Medical Center By Michael D . Stifelman , M . D ., Chair of Urology and Director of Robotic Surgery
“ With robotic-assisted technology , surgeons can approach complex procedures with more precision , flexibility and control than with conventional techniques .”
Hackensack University Medical Center ’ s Center of Excellence for Robotics is among the top four biggest robotic surgery programs , with the highest volumes , in the New York metropolitan area . Our robotic surgical teams use robotic technology to perform a range of surgeries in 11 specialties , including : bariatric ( weight-loss ); cardiology ; colorectal ; ear , nose and throat ( ENT ); general surgery ; gynecology ; gynecology / oncology ; thoracic ; urology ; urogynecology ; and total knee replacement . Our surgeons are pioneers in the use of robotic technology and are among the first to perform many procedures using robotic techniques that have many patient benefits including : smaller incisions and less tissue damage ; increased precision for complex surgeries ; decreased blood loss ( and reduced need for transfusions ); less risk of infection ; less pain after surgery ; smaller scars , both external and internal ; shorter hospital stays ; and faster recovery and return to normal activities . At the leading edge of Hackensack University Medical Center ’ s robotic innovation is the da Vinci SP single port robotic surgery system which requires only one incision through which surgeries are performed using very small surgical instruments and a camera that fits into the patient ’ s body . This incredible technology provides our surgeons greater surgical precision , improved dexterity , enhanced visualization and improved access .
Hackensack Meridian Health , Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center By Steven Tizio , M . D ., FACS , FASCRS , Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Our robust robotic surgery program started back in 2010 and is used by many different specialties , including general , bariatric , colon and rectal , thoracic , urologic , gynecologic as well as cardiac surgery . Robotic surgery is the next evolution of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery , with a similar objective of reducing open surgery . Some of the advantages of robotic surgery include advanced imaging through the system ’ s hi-definition , 3-D , 10x magnified view of the patient , wristed instrumentation and the ergonomic benefit of sitting down during the procedure . Trends show there are less conversions to open surgery vs . laparoscopy . There is less pain to the patients post-op and a quicker return to normal activities . One of the biggest advantages I see for my robotic patients is the reduced time they need to stay in the hospital after the procedure . As an example , a patient after an open colon resection usually spends five to seven days in the hospital post procedure , whereas my da Vinci surgical robot patients are routinely discharged within 48 hours . Overall , robotic surgery is the future of surgery , and we are currently utilizing this technology in real time at our academic medical center .
Holy Name Physicians By Maria B . Schiavone , M . D ., Gynecologic Oncologist
At Holy Name and hospitals worldwide , robot-assisted surgery has enabled surgeons to transform the way they treat medical conditions while enhancing safety , quality and outcomes . Using a minimally invasive approach with the robot , we operate through incisions smaller than the size of a fingernail . Patients may experience the following benefits : shorter hospital stay , minimal blood loss , reduced risk of infection and quicker recovery . Patients often return to work , activities and family responsibilities earlier than they would after traditional “ open ” surgery . Gynecologic oncologists have extensive expertise in diagnosing and surgically managing various cancers of the uterus , cervix and ovaries , including complex cases using the robotic platform . General gynecologists and urogynecologists utilize the robot for performing hysterectomies , removing benign fibroids , and treating incontinence and pelvic floor disorders . Holy Name urologists and surgical oncologists also use the robot to treat cancers of the prostate , kidneys and gastrointestinal system . Our bariatric surgeons perform robot-assisted procedures that result in weight loss and can improve a patient ’ s sleep apnea , asthma , arthritis , type 2 diabetes and cardiac function . The Surgical Review Corporation has named Holy Name a Center of Excellence in robot-assisted surgery , reflecting our commitment to superior patient care , ongoing education and cost efficiency .
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