For ARC appointments, call ARC-INFO (512) 272-4636 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Name: Lynda Shanblum Austin Regional Clinic Phone: (512) 420-2738 E-MAIL: lrshanblum@austinregionalclinic.com

ARC OB/Gyns Master da Vinci® System for Gynecological Surgery

May 9, 2011.  Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/Gyn) physicians at Austin Regional Clinic now offer Central Texas women gynecological surgical care using one of the most advanced and sophisticated new tools that combines the benefits of open abdominal surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. 

Called the da Vinci® Surgery System, the robotic tool allows surgeons and gynecologists to perform highly complex surgical manipulations even in difficult cases through tiny incisions the size of a dime. The result for patients is less pain, minimal blood loss, shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities.

ARC OB/Gyn physicians Dr. Guy Blumhagen and Dr. Renu Chalasani (ARC Seton Northwest OB/Gyn) perform da Vinci surgery at North Austin Medical Center. Dr. Melanie Belt at ARC South OB/Gyn performs the procedure at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, and Dr. Anita Sandhu (ARC Cedar Park Medical Plaza OB/Gyn) performs daVinci at Cedar Park Regional Medical Center.

"The purpose of robotic surgery is to be able to perform surgeries through tiny incisions, rather than surgery that used to require a large incision in the abdomen and about six weeks of recovery. The result is one day in the hospital and usually a return to normal activities within a couple of days," said Dr. Guy Blumhagen. He adds that improved precision, dexterity and control offered by da Vinci also makes it superior to laparoscopic surgery that offers similar patient benefits, but has more limitations.
 
Dr. Renu Chalasani, another ARC obstetrician/gynecologist currently using the daVinci system, agrees. "This procedure is much better for people with complicated cases. Laparoscopic surgery is a little like doing surgery with straight sticks. Da Vinci uses tiny instruments that can articulate like the wrists of the surgeon allowing much more finesse in a much smaller space."
 
Named after renowned inventor and Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci, who pioneered the creation of robotics, the system is a physician-guided computerized platform that follows instructions. Instead of using hand-held instruments, the doctor controls a three dimensional visualization system and tiny instruments at the patient’s bedside that have as much flexibility as the human hand.
 
"We should stress that the physician is performing the surgery, not a robot. The doctor sits right next to the patient and moves the actual instruments. We can see everything from the tiniest blood vessels, tendons and nerves," said Dr. Blumhagen. "It allows surgeons to get their hands back but in a miniaturized form.  Conventional laparoscopy features big hands manipulating tiny instruments.  It's like trying to tie your shoes with chopsticks."
 
Da Vinci surgery is suitable for a full range of gynecological surgery, including hysterectomy, fibroid tumor removal, scar tissue removal, treatment of life-threatening tubal pregnancies and treatment of endometriosis.  Some of its benefits may be:
 
• Avoiding a large incision and scar.
• Returning to normal activities (e.g., driving) as soon as possible after surgery.
• Minimizing time in the hospital to just one night, if possible.
• Limiting blood loss and need for blood transfusion(s) during surgery.
• Reducing the amount/duration of pain medications after surgery.
• Minimizing risk of infection after the surgery.
 
The system consists of an ergonomically designed surgeon's console, a patient cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance vision system and patented EndoWrist instruments. The surgeon operates while seated comfortably, experiencing reduced stress and fatigue during the procedure. As the surgeon manipulates controls, the system responds to the surgeon's directions in real time, translating hand, wrist and finger movements into precise actions of miniaturized instruments at the patient's bed-side cart. A full range of instrument types are available for the surgeon to choose for specialized surgical tasks. 
 
While a patient is in surgery, an experienced team of surgical technicians assist with patient care before, during and after surgery to assure care is constantly monitored and safe. Dr. Blumhagen believes that within another decade, computerized surgical platforms like daVinci will become the standard for care. For more about the da Vinci® Surgical System. Visit (http://www.davincisurgery.com/gynecology/), and www.austinregionalclinic.com

### 

Austin Regional Clinic is a multispecialty medical group committed to providing comprehensive health care services throughout the greater Austin area.  Founded by three physicians in 1980, it now provides healthcare to over 350,000 area residents with 18 locations in six cities, including both primary and specialty care. It is unique to the Austin area because of the widespread locations, convenient services and quality assurance programs. ARC patients enjoy such conveniences as same-day appointments, daytime urgent care, after hours care, and nursing services via telephone through the night. Most ARC offices also offer on-site radiology and lab services and some offices offer specialty programs such as a travel clinic and weight loss programs.  Patients can also request future or same-day appointments from the ARC web site.  For more information, visit www.austinregionalclinic.com.