UMCP Physician Performs Successful Single-Incision Robotic Hysterectomy
March 16, 2015
Last week, a physician at University Medical Center of Princeton (UMCP) performed a robot-assisted, single-site hysterectomy—a surgical procedure during which a woman's uterus is removed—using only a single incision through the belly button.
Thanks to this minimally invasive approach, patients benefit from little to no scarring, minimal pain and a very quick recovery.
In fact, the patient was able to return home that day and is expected to resume normal activities within two weeks, said Bruce R. Pierce, MD, FACOG, a board certified OB/GYN with extensive experience performing robot-assisted surgeries. Dr. Pierce completed the procedure using the da Vinci® Si System, which is ideal for single-site surgeries.
"This is a very new and exciting technique," said Dr. Pierce. "We are able to perform the same procedure through a single one-inch incision that in the past would have required three or more incisions. It's less invasive, more cosmetically appealing and allows for a quick recovery. For the patient, it's better all around."
The Si System is one of two da Vinci Surgical System® robots acquired recently by UMCP's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery. The second robot is a da Vinci Xi System, the newest and most advanced version, which enables surgeons to perform complex surgeries through multiple small incisions.
Like the Si, the Xi System offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery may include less scarring and blood loss, significantly less pain and shorter recovery time.
A significant portion of the cost to acquire the new equipment was covered by generous gifts from members of the community as well as patients who benefited from robotic procedures. Fundraising efforts will continue throughout 2015 to further offset costs.
The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at UMCP has one of the most comprehensive robot-assisted surgery programs in the region. Surgeons on the medical staff use the da Vinci Surgical System® to perform colorectal, gynecologic, thoracic, urologic, and urogynecologic procedures as well as general surgery, including appendectomies and gall bladder operations.
To learn more about robot-assisted surgery at UMCP's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, visit www.princetonhcs.org/davincisurgery.
About Princeton HealthCare System
Princeton HealthCare System is a comprehensive, integrated healthcare system that strives to anticipate and serve the lifelong needs of central New Jersey residents, including acute care hospital services through University Medical Center of Princeton, behavioral healthcare through Princeton House Behavioral Health, rehabilitation, home care, hospice care, ambulatory surgery, a primary and specialty medical practice, and fitness and wellness services. For more information, visit www.princetonhcs.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Andy Williams, 609-252-8785
anwilliams@princetonhcs.org
Thanks to this minimally invasive approach, patients benefit from little to no scarring, minimal pain and a very quick recovery.
In fact, the patient was able to return home that day and is expected to resume normal activities within two weeks, said Bruce R. Pierce, MD, FACOG, a board certified OB/GYN with extensive experience performing robot-assisted surgeries. Dr. Pierce completed the procedure using the da Vinci® Si System, which is ideal for single-site surgeries.
"This is a very new and exciting technique," said Dr. Pierce. "We are able to perform the same procedure through a single one-inch incision that in the past would have required three or more incisions. It's less invasive, more cosmetically appealing and allows for a quick recovery. For the patient, it's better all around."
The Si System is one of two da Vinci Surgical System® robots acquired recently by UMCP's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery. The second robot is a da Vinci Xi System, the newest and most advanced version, which enables surgeons to perform complex surgeries through multiple small incisions.
Like the Si, the Xi System offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery may include less scarring and blood loss, significantly less pain and shorter recovery time.
A significant portion of the cost to acquire the new equipment was covered by generous gifts from members of the community as well as patients who benefited from robotic procedures. Fundraising efforts will continue throughout 2015 to further offset costs.
The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at UMCP has one of the most comprehensive robot-assisted surgery programs in the region. Surgeons on the medical staff use the da Vinci Surgical System® to perform colorectal, gynecologic, thoracic, urologic, and urogynecologic procedures as well as general surgery, including appendectomies and gall bladder operations.
To learn more about robot-assisted surgery at UMCP's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, visit www.princetonhcs.org/davincisurgery.
About Princeton HealthCare System
Princeton HealthCare System is a comprehensive, integrated healthcare system that strives to anticipate and serve the lifelong needs of central New Jersey residents, including acute care hospital services through University Medical Center of Princeton, behavioral healthcare through Princeton House Behavioral Health, rehabilitation, home care, hospice care, ambulatory surgery, a primary and specialty medical practice, and fitness and wellness services. For more information, visit www.princetonhcs.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Andy Williams, 609-252-8785
anwilliams@princetonhcs.org
