Open house July 12-13 at Glendale hospital offers test drive
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Abrazo Arrowhead Campus is hosting a free public open house to learn about the da Vinci robotic surgical system from noon to 4 p.m. July 12-13. Community members and students interested in STEM careers can “test drive” the surgical robot for hands-on demonstrations, Abrazo Health officials say.
Minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery is used for a number of general, gynecologic, urologic, colorectal, thoracis and bariatric procedures, Abrazo Health officials report. It is an option for patients considering treatment for hysterectomy, prostatectomy, hernia repair, gall bladder removal, appendectomy, colon or surgical weight loss, according to a press release.
Robots don’t actually perform surgery; however, trained surgeons do with the help of the robots’ computer-guided instruments and navigation, officials report. The da Vinci and other robot-assisted surgical systems computer guidance and magnified, 3-D views of the surgical site. That helps the surgeon operate with precision, flexibility and improved control.
Jen Tellez, who underwent robot-assisted surgery for kidney cancer at Abrazo Arrowhead, appreciates the advances in technology.
“I am so grateful that there is such a device as the da Vinci. Dr. Kundavaram was able to successfully remove a cancerous mass from my right kidney with very minimal scaring and virtually zero surgical-related complications,” said Ms. Tellez in a prepared statement.
“Without the robot and my highly skilled surgeon, my surgery likely would have been far more complicated. I know I say this often, I truly am eternally grateful, thank you Dr. Kundavaram and the staff at Abrazo.”
Da Vinci technology uses tiny instruments that can move like a human hand, but with a greater range of motion. It uses highly magnified, 3D high-definition views of the surgical area making it possible for surgeons to operate through a few small incisions.
“Robot-assisted procedures an option for patients with a wide range of conditions. The technology provides the ability for surgeons to perform procedures that have traditionally been done through large incision and now completed with incisions less than an inch in size,” said Abrazo Arrowhead Campus Chief Operating Officer Matt Sartorius.
Hospital staff and providers strive for compassionate care and a positive patient experience at Abrazo.
“I had a truly wonderful experience with everyone who works at Abrazo. Everyone was so kind and compassionate. They made a very scary time in my life a lot easier. I’ll always appreciate everyone who took care of me during my time at Abrazo!” Ms. Tellez said.
