GLENDALE, ARIZ. (April. 2008) — West Valley gynecologists Lisa Jaacks, MD and Lee Koon, MD have successfully completed training to perform a new, less invasive hysterectomy using the da Vinci Surgical System. The physicians, who practice at Desert West Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ltd., will be performing the procedures at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.
“In recent years, depending on both symptoms and risk factors, women had the choice between open and traditional laparascopic hysterectomy,” said Dr. Jaacks. “The move to robotics now allows a quicker return to normal activities along with less blood loss, scarring and post-operative pain.”
Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is most often performed to relieve chronic pain, bleeding or other symptoms but can also be used as a life-saving treatment with conditions such as cancer or uncontrollable bleeding. It is the second most common surgical procedure in the United States.
Robotic surgery is an enhanced form of minimally invasive surgery associated with major benefits to both patient and physicians.
“Without a doubt, the robotic surgical platform is more precise than conventional surgery offering superior visualization and dexterity,” said Dr. Koon. “The robotic arms allow for incredibly precise movement of the instruments which leads to optimal performance.”
Dr. Jaacks also noted that the greater visibility proves especially helpful with women with certain risk factors such as obesity or a history of previous surgeries.
The da Vinci is a product of Intuitive Surgical. The FDA approved the system for gynecologic procedures in 2005 following years of success in cardiovascular surgery, urology and gynecologic oncology.
For more information, call 602 978 1500.