ENH enhances surgical services with da Vinci robot system

Eastern Niagara Hospital has purchased a state-of-the-art da Vinci Surgical System. In a matter of weeks, robotic surgery will be an alternative for many patients having surgery at the ENH Lockport site. The da Vinci Surgical System allows surgeons to offer a minimally invasive option for both basic and complex surgical procedures, including urologic, gynecologic, colo-rectal and general surgery procedures.

With ENH’s four-armed SI version, procedures will be performed with robotic arms through the smallest of incisions. The system gives surgeons increased precision, dexterity and control. Utilizing this technology provides the benefits of a definitive treatment and better clinical outcomes with less pain for the patient, a faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay.

“Until now, options in the community have only included traditional surgery methods with large open incision or laparoscopic procedures, which utilize smaller incisions,” said Clare A. Haar, ENH Chief Executive Officer. “This state-of-the-art technology acquired by the Hospital offers patients a very effective alternative to both open surgery and laparoscopy.”

Colo-rectal Surgeon Mark Falvo, MD, has been utilizing the da Vinci robot for colo-rectal surgeries.

“It serves as an excellent option for many patients,” said Falvo. “It is a real step forward for Eastern Niagara Hospital and I look forward to utilizing this new system. It is truly effective in reducing post-operative pain and promoting a faster recovery time. It can be used for a variety of benign and malignant conditions, such as diverticulitis or colo-rectal cancer.”

Brian Rambarran, MD of Western New York Urology Associates added, this technology will allow him to perform robotic prostatectomies, as well as radical or partial nephrectomies at the Lockport site.

“The minimally invasive approach with the da Vinci system is ideal for the delicate urological surgical procedures,” he said.

Another frequent use for the da Vinci system has been for gynecologic procedures. Lockport gynecologist Julie Madejski, MD has performed hysterectomies and removal of ovaries and adhesions using this new technology.

“Robotic assistance has revolutionized GYN surgery,” said Madejski. “We can now do the even the most difficult hysterectomies and uterine cancer surgeries using robotic laparoscopic surgery. I love the improved precision and view the robot offers. My patients usually go home from the hospital the next morning and report much less pain during the recovery period. They are also able to return to work in as little as two weeks, which is very important to some women. Previously they would spend three days in the hospital and be out of work for six to eight weeks.”

The Hospital anticipates it will begin utilizing the da Vinci for surgeries in Lockport during the next several weeks, following installation of the equipment and training of staff in the department.

“The arrival of the da Vinci system is a significant advancement for the Hospital,” said Haar. “It will clearly benefit our surgical patients and serves as a milestone in Eastern Niagara Hospital’s mission to serve the community with quality and progressive medical services.”