 BCHS offers new options for thoracic surgery
One of the most common treatments for lung cancer involves the surgical removal of the affected lobe of the lung, known as pulmonary lobectomy. To perform this type of open surgery requires a large, 8- to10-inch incision, which commonly results in substantial blood loss as well as a lengthy and uncomfortable recovery.
But Battle Creek Health System's surgery department now offers an alternative to that invasive procedure through the use of a 'cutting edge' technology called the da Vinci S 'HD' surgery system. It is the next stage of evolution in 'minimally' invasive techniques.
The unit is named after Leonardo da Vinci, the person who is considered the first to use three-dimensional anatomical accuracy in his detailed masterpieces.
The da Vinci S 'HD' is powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology that allows a surgeon's hand movements to be translated into precise movements of micro-instruments in and near the surgery site through tiny surgery openings. Its three-dimensional imaging camera capabilities give the surgeon a clearer picture of tissue structures. Because the surgery is performed using very small instruments placed through tiny incisions in the body, the patient experiences less pain and blood loss, usually has a shorter hospital, and most importantly is able to return to normal activities more quickly.
This new surgery platform uses a small camera that is inserted through very small incisions to magnify the surgery site, which enhances the surgeon's hand and wrist movements offering more dexterity, versatility, and precision.
Even though it is referred to as a robotic surgery, the system cannot be programmed nor can it make decisions or incisions on its own. The da Vinci system requires that every surgical maneuver be performed by the highly trained and skilled surgeon.
"One might expect that a technology like this would only be available at a large metropolitan hospital," says Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Battle Creek Health System. "But BCHS, through our commitment to providing the latest surgery techniques for our community is one of only a few centers nationwide currently performing the pulmonary lobectomy procedure using the da Vinci S 'HD' system."
"This new technology provides surgeons with superior 3-D visualization, enhanced dexterity, and greater precision making it possible for them to perform minimally invasive procedures involving complex reconstruction," says Dr. Tammy Gleeson, chair of the BCHS surgery department. "The improved and magnified images enable our surgeons to handle delicate tissues with added precision, especially in confined spaces in the body."
For most patients, da Vinci pulmonary lobectomy offers numerous potential benefits over the standard 'open' lobectomy including:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less pain
- Less risk of infection
- Less blood loss and transfusions
- Less scarring
- Faster recovery
- Quicker return to normal activities
"As with any surgical procedure, these benefits cannot be guaranteed as surgery is both patient and procedure specific," continues Dr. Gleeson. "The da Vinci system is not used on every type of surgery, but where it is used, in most cases, patients will feel much better more quickly than through the use of traditional surgery techniques
In addition to thoracic surgery using the da Vinci S 'HD' system, Battle Creek Health System surgeons also perform minimally invasive gynecologic and urologic procedures as well. The da Vinci S 'HD' surgical system has been successfully used in thousands of lung cancer procedures worldwide.
Battle Creek Health System is the first surgery center to offer da Vinci S HD in clinical service in the South-central Michigan region.
For more information regarding the indications and benefits in using the da Vinci S 'HD' system in lung surgery, contact Dr. Tammy Gleeson at (269) 979-6310. If you have questions about the computer-assisted surgical robotics program, call Pam Hammock, RN, BCHS robotics coordinator, at (269) 966-8106.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 12 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the lungs. There are three classifications of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (the most common type), small cell carcinoma (most strongly associated with tobacco use), and other tumors (which often metastasize from malignancies in other areas of the body).
Approximately 180,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. Treatment options and prognosis depend on the stage of the cancer and factors such as the patient's age and general health. Many physicians believe that surgery offers the best therapy for cure in early stage lung cancer.
With greater public awareness, early detection is on the rise and mortality rates are declining. Additionally, new advances in medical technology like the da Vinci S 'HD' surgical system are enabling cancer victims to go on to live active and productive lives after their treatment.
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