New robotic surgical system at Deaconess Medical Center

Important patient benefits include shorter hospitalization,
 and quicker recovery - even with major procedures

SPOKANE, WASH. – Deaconess Medical Center has expanded its surgical services with the addition of a da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System. The $1.7 million system, installed in October, offers the latest technology available for minimally invasive procedures, including high-demand oncology, urology and gynecology surgeries. 

Unlike its name implies, the system doesn’t run on its own. It is designed to replicate the movement of a surgeon’s hands, in fact, extending the surgeon’s reach and flexibility and enabling access inside the body with minimal incision.

With robotic surgery, patients experience less pain, less blood loss, shorter hospitalization, shorter recovery and fewer side effects than with conventional surgical practices.  For physicians, too, the system offers an important alternative to both common “open” surgeries and more traditional laparoscopic procedures, which allows the physician to select the best procedure for each patient. 

“This new investment represents Deaconess’ continued commitment to meet growing regional demand for critical services,” said Bill Gilbert, Deaconess Medical Center’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our physicians are prepared and eager to utilize this new tool.”

“Robotics has become the standard of care for gynecological oncology,” says Melanie Bergman, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist with Cancer Care Northwest.  “It’s a minimally invasive surgery that requires less manipulation of a patient’s internal organs, fewer blood transfusions and shorter hospital stays.  Patients recover more quickly, have less surgical scarring and can resume normal activities at a much faster rate.”

By matching the surgeon’s skill with a sophisticated robotic platform, delicate and complex procedures can be conducted through very small incisions. 

The robot is equipped with micro-instruments and built to replicate the movements of surgeon’s hands. A tiny camera, held by one of the four robotic arms, is inserted via a small incision. That camera can rotate 360 degrees and produce 3-D images, giving the surgeon a clear vision of the procedure.  

A surgeon performs the procedure while sitting at an ergonomic console viewing a high resolution 3-D screen. Another surgeon or surgical assistant stands by the patient to change needles, irrigate or suction as needed. The robotic arms detect the movement of the surgeon’s wrists seamlessly. 

“There’s a big learning curve,” says Dr. Bergman, who has more than two years’ experience working on da Vinci Robotic Systems.  “I can’t use my tactile sense when I’m operating.  Because I’m not physically touching the tissue, it’s a bit surreal at first.  I use a lot of visual cues, including enhanced 3-D images.  The robot gives me a full range of motion in my wrists and fingers so I can complete complicated surgeries less invasively.”

According to Gilbert, the robotic system is already in high demand. “Initially, the new robot will be used primarily for gynecologic, urologic, prostate and surgical oncology,” he explained. “We expect to branch out from there.”

Deaconess Medical Center has performed several surgeries during the first month the da Vinci has been available, with excellent results.

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