Robotic Assisted Surgery at Avera McKennan

Hysterectomy Surgery

Hysterectomy Robotic Assisted Surgery

A hysterectomy may offer a life-saving treatment with serious conditions such as cancer or uncontrollable bleeding. In most cases, however, hysterectomy is an elective procedure performed to relieve chronic pain, bleeding or other disabling conditions. These may be caused by fibroids (noncancerous tumors); endometriosis (noncancerous growth of the uterine lining) or prolapse (falling or slipping of the uterus).

For most women, da Vinci Hysterectomy offers numerous potential benefits over traditional surgical approaches, including:

Hysterectomy can sometimes be performed through the vagina. However, when the uterus is enlarged — for example, from fibroids or cancer — an abdominal hysterectomy is preferable. This requires a 6-12 inch incision. In some cases, doctors also remove the ovaries because they are thought to release hormones contributing to the condition.

While hysterectomy is relatively safe, it may not be appropriate or necessary for all individuals or conditions. Alternative treatments that can preserve the uterus and ovaries may be available. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

Prostatectomy Surgery

Prostatectomy Robotic Assisted Surgery

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. It's estimated that in 2007, more than 218,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed. With PSAs (prostate specific antigen screens) prostate cancer can be detected very early, allowing your doctor to use robotic assisted surgeries.

Advantages of Robotic Assisted Prostatectomies

This year, it is estimated that 65 percent of all prostatectomies in the nation will be done using a da Vinci robotic assisted surgery system.

Instead of the traditional open procedure, which requires an incision from below the naval down to the groin area, the patient has a few small incisions or operating ports - 1 to 2 centimeters in size - across the abdomen for the insertion of robotic arms.

Improved results for many patients include:

• Less pain
• Less risk of infection
• Less blood loss and transfusions
• Less scarring
• Faster recovery
• Quicker return to normal activities

The technique allows surgeons to spare nerves in the pelvic region, helping to preserve continence and sexual function. Nerves are under 10 times magnification, and the robotic arms are very precise, making it easier for the surgeon to identify those nerves. The latest technology of three-dimensional, high-definition visualization provides improved clarity and detail beyond what was previously available.

Housecalls

Hosts Deb Soholt, RN and Jim Woster, along with special guest Dr. Darlys Hofer, examine the topic of Robotic Prostatectomy. Sharing his personal story in this special two-part series, Jim Woster talks about his initial diagnosis, the treatment options, the surgery, where Jim is now in the recovery process and his prognosis for the future.
Part 1 » and Part 2 »

Avera Surgeons

Members of Avera's surgical team have extensive training in providing leading-edge treatment using robotic assisted surgery. Click on a doctor below to view a detailed profile:

Gynecological and Oncology

• Luis Rojas, MD - Avera Cancer Institute
• Samir Abu-Ghazaleh, MD - Avera Cancer Institute

Watch a video featuring Dr. Luis Rojas »

OB/GYN

• Amal Salama, MD - Women's Clinic
• Jodi Scott, MD - Women's Clinic
• Brenda Kallemeyn, MD - Avera McGreevy Clinic
• Kimberlee McKay, MD - Avera McGreevy Clinic
• Yvonne Seger, MD - Avera McGreevy Clinic
• Jane Peters, MD - Women's Clinic
• Danielle Berdahl, MD - Women's Clinic
• Jane Gaetze, MD - Women's Clinic
• Patricia Wirtz, MD - Women's Clinic

Urology

• Darlys Hofer, MD - Urology Specialists
• David Rosinsky, MD - Urology Specialists
• Michael Gillette, MD - Urology Specialists
• Matthew Witte, MD - Urology Specialists

General Surgery

• Scott Baker, MD - Surgical Institute of South Dakota
• Bradley Thaemert, MD - Surgical Institute of South Dakota