“Pulleys & Piano Wires … a New & Better Cure

September 16th, 2008: Dr. Scott Wingo’s credentials for minimally invasive surgical treatment of cancer are extremely impressive: Georgia Tech, Emory, MUSC, and the University of Miami provided the foundation for implementing his vision: an intuitive surgical robot system. Today, his vision is implemented in the Lowcountry using the deVinci robot.

Our Club (often queasy) was treated to a new surgical technology slide show presentation: a capability best designed to work in small confined areas “requiring a great deal of precision and dexterity.” Using prostate cancer as an example, Dr. Wingo walked us through a visual, or better yet, virtual prostate operation with the deVinci robot as the center stage participant.

Originally designed for the military in an attempt to keep the surgeons out of the line of fire, the daVinci robot (in commercial use) ensures multiple benefits including:

– Shorter hospital stay
– Less pain
– Less risk of infection
– Less blood loss and transfusions
– Less scarring
– Faster recovery
– Quicker return to normal activities

Dr. Wingo emphasized the deVinci system is powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology in order to allow a surgeon’s hand movements to be scaled, filtered, and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments within the operative system. It enhances surgical capabilities … BUT cannot be programmed nor make decisions on its own. Every surgical procedure/technique must be performed directly by your surgeon.

For more information see www.rsfh.com or call 402-CARE. Additionally email [email protected].

Submitted by Bill Crowe, Keyway Committee Chair