Robotic Advancements
SEVERE HEADACHES WERE A SIGN TO TOBY ALLEN THAT SOMETHING WASN ‘ T RIGHT . The active 80-year-old regularly plays tennis , golfs , swims and bikes so he knows his body well . “ It surprised me when I got really sick ,“ Toby said .
For 18 months , Toby dealt with headaches that could last as long as 15 hours . And they were getting worse . He even underwent CT scans but his doctor would find nothing wrong . Then he met with Urologist Dr . Stephen Chinn at Straub Medical Center . “ Dr . Chinn was quick to figure out there was a fluid issue . He knew exactly what the problem was immediately ,“ Toby said . The retiree was suffering from kidney failure that retained urine in his body . Immediately after 1.2 liters were drained , his headaches stopped .
It was just a temporary relief . The real source of the problem was an enlarged prostate that was blocking urine flow from his bladder . Toby needed aggressive treatment and major abdominal surgery .
In 2020 , Toby became the first patient at Straub to have a robotic-assisted laparoscopic simple prostatectomy using the new da Vinci Xi Surgical System .
“ Fortunately , the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery allows us to perform complex procedures that were once considered large and challenging and convert them into manageable procedures that are well tolerated , even for kūpuna in their 80s and 90s ,“ Straub Urologist Dr . Steve Rivera said . “ In well-selected patients and with an experienced surgeon , the use of the da Vinci robot allows for a less invasive surgery , with faster recovery and fewer complications .“
“ I had no pain ,“ Toby said . “ I couldn ‘ t believe it . Afterwards , I had discomfort and I had soreness , but no real pain . Plus , when I went home Dr . Rivera called me to follow up . I was impressed .“
“ The da Vinci robot is an instrument that allows us to level the playing field in surgery . In Hawai ‘ i , we too provide excellent care , keeping up with the latest advances , newest techniques , and best technologies to take care of our ‘ ohana at home ,“ Dr . Rivera said . “ As medicine evolves , we have a commitment to champion excellent care and outstanding outcomes , and that includes offering and advocating for those technologies that allow us to provide the best care available .“
Straub is using this robotic surgery system for urologic , gynecologic and general surgeries at this time , and there are plans to expand to other specialties .
“ It ‘ s absolutely incredible ,“ Toby said . “ I know where the holes [ surgical incisions ] were , but you can ‘ t see anything . It doesn ‘ t look as if anything happened .“
The da Vinci surgical system , which costs about $ 2.5 million , was partly funded by a donation from the Laurence H . Dorcy Foundation . Laurence Dorcy was cared for at Straub till his death at the medical center in 2011 . The foundation has a history of giving to the Straub Foundation , also contributing to internal medicine in honor of physician Dr . Stephen Arnold .
Urologist Dr . Steve Rivera with the da Vinci Xi Surgical System at
Straub Medical Center .
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