When Diane White learned she needed a hysterectomy, little did she know that she would be the first patient at Aiken Regional Medical Centers to have robot-assisted surgery with the newly acquired da Vinci® Si HD™ system. “My gynecologist, Dr. Margot Wacks, mentioned they were getting a new robotic system that could mean a less invasive procedure for me, and I was all for that.”
The system has a 3D high definition (3D-HD) vision system, special instruments and computer software that provide enhanced vision, dexterity and precision. The surgeon is 100 percent in control of the robotic system at all times and the patient from nearly any angle, offering a greater range of motion.
Dr. Wacks, General Surgeon Wayne Frei, MD, and Urologist Darren Mack, MD, are currently the only doctors at Aiken Regional trained to use the robotic system. Director of Surgical Services Kathy Cornforth, RN, BSN, CNOR, says as more surgeons receive training, they will be able to offer more minimally invasive procedures. “For right now, we are using it for urological, gynecological and general surgeries,” she says. “But we are looking to increase the variety of procedures we can offer.”
Dr. Mack says using the robotic system can be a big advantage because of the smaller surgical incisions, less pain and blood loss, as well as a shorter hospital stay. “It has pretty much become the standard of care with many urologic procedures, including prostatectomies,” he says. “Many of my patients are back to their normal routines in less time, and many can go home the same day of the procedure.”
According to Dr. Wacks, minimally invasive robotic surgery reduces the number of ‘open’ surgeries, and most patients do very well post-op. “They can go home that night or the next morning and with minimal discomfort. Also, the need for strong narcotic pain medications and associated side effects can be reduced,” she says.
Diane was in the hospital overnight and released the next day. “I had four small incisions, only needed to take over-the-counter pain medication. I was amazed how good I felt! Dr. Wacks was very good with her follow-up, and she is very passionate about what she does.”
While minimally invasive surgery is preferred by most patients, not all people are candidates. “If someone has already had multiple abdominal procedures, that may preclude them from having surgery done robotically. We look at all options in deciding which type of procedure will produce the best outcome,” says Dr. Wacks.
Diane says having robotic surgery was the perfect solution for her. “I selected Aiken Regional because it was in my home town, and also because Dr. Wacks was there. My entire experience with her, the hospital and nurses was incredible, and I would highly recommend them to anyone,” she says. “I am so grateful to everyone who took such great care of me. They are the best!”
Robotic Surgical Procedures Available at Aiken Regional Medical Centers
Gynecologic Surgeries
- Hysterectomy
- Bilateral salpingectomy
- Bilateral oophorectomy
- Removal of adhesions
- Sacralcolpoplexy
- Myomectomy
- Cancer staging procedures
Urologic Surgeries
- Radical prostatectomy (prostate removal)
- Partial nephrectomy (partial kidney removal)
- Pyeloplasty (urinary blockage removal)
- Cystectomy (bladder removal)
- Radical nephrectomy
General Surgeries
- Robotic cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder)
- Robotic inguinal hernia repair
Learn more about robotic surgery at Aiken Regional. To find a doctor, call our free physician referral service at 803-761-6970.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.