FIRST ROBOTIC-ASSISTED HYSTERECTOMY PERFORMED

The West Clinic Center for Gynecologic Oncology in Memphis, Tenn., has announced that its surgeons have performed the first robotic-assisted hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in the Mid-South region.

The da Vinci Surgical System, a technology providing surgeons 3-D visualization, improved dexterity, and increased precision minimally invasive surgery, is one of the newest technologies available for the treatment of gynecologic cancer. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery with the da Vinci currently report less pain, blood loss, and scarring than those undergoing conventional open surgery. In addition, reduced instances of infection, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and quicker return to normal activities are further reported. The West Clinic's first patient to undergo robotic surgery was discharged home the day after surgery.

The surgical system was cleared by the FDA in April 2005 for gynecologic applications.