BCHS offering seminar on women's health and cancer,
and a hands-on test drive of a 'cutting-edge' surgery robot
 When Battle Creek Health System (BCHS) sponsors a public seminar/open house, it usually focuses on health topics that appeal to both genders; this one is no different. Though the topic of women's health sounds like it will appeal only to women, the presentation will actually be of interest to men as well.
On Tuesday, February 26, BCHS Dr. Rachel Yankama, chair of the hospital's OB/GYN department and cancer liaison for The Cancer Care Center at the hospital, will talk about 'New Technology and New Options for Uterine and Cervical Cancers' in the hospital's Outpatient Center conference rooms beginning at 6:30 p.m. Prior to her talk, the public can get an 'up-close and personal' look at a surgical robot.
"Women's health is not limited to the female," says Dr. Yankama. "Husbands, fathers, and brothers should be aware of the medical conditions that can afflict their loved ones. The more they know, the more supportive they can be in helping that special someone fight their disease."
Cervical and uterine cancers are the most common types of pelvic disease in women between the ages of 55 and 70. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Those will be the key subjects of her presentation.
Before Dr. Yankama's talk, the newest member of the hospital's surgery team, the da Vinci(r) 'S' with HD(tm) surgical system robot will be on display beginning at 5 p.m.
The public will have the opportunity to see first-hand one of the world's most unique surgery platforms. The unit is named after Leonardo da Vinci, the inventor of the robot, and the person who is considered the first to use three-dimensional anatomical accuracy in his detailed masterpieces.
 The da Vinci 'S' HD surgical system provides physicians with such enhanced detail and precision that it can simulate an open surgical environment while allowing operation through tiny incisions. The da Vinci 'S' HD is designed to translate the surgeon's skilled hand movements into more precise motions through the use of microscopes, surgical tools, and video cameras.
"Most people who have surgery never see exactly what instruments are being used in their procedure," says Pam Hammock, RN, surgical robotics coordinator at BCHS. "So for those interested, we will try to give them an opportunity to get behind the controls as the surgeon might, and practice a simulated surgery. There are no tires to kick, but it is a chance for the public to give our most advance surgical equipment a test drive."
BCHS opened a newly expanded 30,000 square-foot surgery center including a sterile process department and pre- and post-operative services in December 2006. The seven new surgical suites offer some of the most sophisticated surgical and anesthesia equipment available.
Technological advancements in each surgery suite include air flow exchangers designed to change the room air 25 times per hour; much higher than the traditional surgical suites which have an exchange rate of 15-18 times per hour. This system reduces the chance of post-operative infections.
High quality images and patient data can be viewed on flat screen monitors, and each suite is equipped with video cameras and patient tracking systems to allow staff to view and record procedures. Electronic charting provides staff and surgeons with 'real time' information and patient records.
In addition to the surgical suites, the new pre-op rooms double in number and size, affording privacy and space for family. A new sterile processing department, which opened earlier in 2006, is located directly below the operating rooms and connected by case elevators for easier access to supplies.
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.
Public Open House
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Test drive the future of surgery and meet the newest member of the
Battle Creek Health System surgery team
'The daVinci S surgical system'
5-6:30 p.m. Battle Creek Health System Outpatient Atrium
Community Education Forum
'New Technology & Options for Cervical & Uterine Cancer
Presented by Rachel Yankama, M.D.
6:30-7:30 p.m. Battle Creek Health System Outpatient Conference Rooms
Both are free
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