ETMC Tyler Adds da Vinci Si Surgical System

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center Tyler has added the da Vinci Si Surgical System, and the public is invited to come and see it. Hospital officials say the system makes it easier to treat a variety of procedures with greater benefits for the patient. The new system will be on display at the ETMC Pavilion at 801 Clinic Drive in Tyler on Tues., April 9, from 2-6 p.m.

“The da Vinci technology allows surgeons to perform procedures through just a few tiny incisions using the latest in computer and robotic technologies,” said John Stewart, vice president of operations for ETMC Tyler. “The surgeon controls the da Vinci system, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the body. Although it is often called a “robot,” the da Vinci can’t be programmed or make decisions. The system replicates the surgeon’s movement.”

The da Vinci system consists of a surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a 3D HD vision system, and miniaturized wristed instruments. Officials say the surgeon is able to operate from a comfortable, seated position, with eyes and hands placed in line with the instruments. To move the tools or change the camera, the surgeon simply moves his hands.

Officials say the da Vinci system, manufactured by Intuitive Surgical, has been successfully used worldwide to perform a variety of procedures including cardiac, colorectal, general surgery, gynecology, head and neck, thoracic and urology. The potential benefits to the patient compared to traditional open surgery may include shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, less pain, faster recovery, and less scarring.