Newark, NJ --Surgeons at Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center are using robotic-assisted
technology to successfully treat a number of gynecologic
problems for women in the tri-state area.
Using the da Vinci Surgical System, physicians gain an "extra
pair of hands" in the operating room, as well as a 3-D
view inside the body. An interactive console features
robotic arms, which enhance the surgeon's dexterity and range
of motion. As a result, damage to delicate nerves, tissue
and muscle is greatly reduced. Blood loss, post-operative
pain and recovery time are minimized as well.
According to Emad Hashemi, MD, Chief of Urogynecology and
Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery at Newark Beth Israel, “Robotic
technology is becoming the new gold standard in gynecologic
surgery." It is used to perform hysterectomies, for
example, and to remove cancerous and benign tumors.
Removing Surgical Limitations
Carmen Reboredo, a West Orange resident and patient of Dr.
Hashemi, was recently diagnosed with vaginal wall prolapse. With
this condition the muscles and tissues of the vaginal wall
lose their shape after childbirth or after a hysterectomy. Mrs.
Reboredo was also diagnosed with cystocele, where the bladder
drops down and out of its natural position. Urinary
frequency, urgency and incontinence often result, as in the
case of Mrs. Reboredo.
The 51-year-old mother of two experienced urinary stress
incontinence for two years. "I couldn't do the normal
things a person does during the day because I had to go to
the bathroom constantly," said Mrs. Reboredo. She would
have to urinate every hour and wake up five or six times
during the night.
Using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, Dr. Hashemi
performed a sacral colpopexy, in which the vaginal wall is
attached to the lower base of the spine or to the lower abdominal
wall. The purpose is to lift the vaginal wall closer
to its natural position. He also performed a tension-free
vaginal tape sling (TVT sling) urethropexy to alleviate Mrs.
Reboredo's incontinence. With this procedure the bladder
is lifted back into place with a piece of mesh to stop urine
leakage.
The surgery took four hours and was done laparoscopically. Mrs.
Reboredo went home the next day.
After two weeks, her symptoms completely subsided. "I
feel 100 percent better," she said. "I walk every day,
I shop, and I have no problems. I have a normal, relaxed
life," she adds.
In the future, Dr. Hashemi believes that robotic-assisted
surgery will be a commonly used technology. "It removes
surgical limitations, and greatly improves the overall outcome
for the patient," he states.
The FDA approved robotic surgery for gynecology in 2005. The
technology has been used at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
for the last two and one-half years.
For More Information
For more information contact the Department of Urogynecology
at 973-926-7342. The division of Urogynecology is part
of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Newark
Beth Israel Medical Center, which provides comprehensive
care for women of all ages. In addition to urogynecology,
the department has specialists in reproductive endocrinology,
maternal-fetal medicine, and gynecologic oncology.
Date: January 16, 2008
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