New robot surgeon takes residence at Kadlec
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RICHLAND, Wash. - The Da Vinci robot is more precise than human hands -- making operating in small, sensitive areas easier.
Surgeons control the arms using joysticks much like a video game.
It doesn't take any longer than regular surgery but cuts down on bleeding, complications and recovery time.
Cindy Lacy was the first to have the surgery using the new machine. She said, "Three days later I just went to a birthday party. It was no big deal, it was only one day. I was able to get out of the hospital at 7. So I had surgery in the morning and was able to leave at 7 in the evening."
The machine is only used for hysterectomies and similar surgeries at this time.
Doctors hope to eventually start using it for heart patients, as well.
Surgeons control the arms using joysticks much like a video game.
It doesn't take any longer than regular surgery but cuts down on bleeding, complications and recovery time.
Cindy Lacy was the first to have the surgery using the new machine. She said, "Three days later I just went to a birthday party. It was no big deal, it was only one day. I was able to get out of the hospital at 7. So I had surgery in the morning and was able to leave at 7 in the evening."
The machine is only used for hysterectomies and similar surgeries at this time.
Doctors hope to eventually start using it for heart patients, as well.
