First robotic prostatectomy
Dr. Nabeel Hamoui performed the first robotic prostatectomy at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, utilizing Intuitive Surgical’s advanced, four-arm robotic technology.
“Use of the robot allows for better visualization of the anatomy, improved ability to spare nerves responsible for erections, and improved continence compared to open surgery,” Dr. Hamoui said, in a news release.
Dr. Hamoui will perform minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgeries including prostate surgeries for cancer and enlarged prostates, kidney cancer, and female pelvis surgeries to treat incontinence.
OneBlood tests for antibody
OneBlood, the nonprofit blood center, is testing all donations for the COVID-19 antibody.
The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms.
According to OneBlood, convalescent plasma donors have the ability to help critically ill coronavirus patients. The transfused plasma with COVID-19 antibodies into a patient fighting the virus can help boost the patient’s immune system and potentially help with recovery.
OneBlood began collecting and distributing COVID-19 convalescent plasma in April.
The antibody testing also will provide statistical information to public health officials.
COVID-19 antibody testing will be performed in addition to the standard infectious disease testing all blood donations receive.
Donors will be able to see their results approximately 48 hours after donating, by logging into their donor portal at OneBlood.org.
Due to social distancing measures OneBlood has in place, all donors are required to make an appointment online at OneBlood.org or by calling (888) 936-6283.
