By Kyle LoJacono
Precision is key to a successful surgery and Pasco Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in Dade City now has a way to increase the exactness of all procedures.
PRMC’s chief of surgery Dr. Pandurangan Krishnaraj completed the first procedure, a gallbladder removal, in east and central Pasco County using robotic surgery Nov. 3. The system is called da Vinci Si.
“The da Vinci Si surgical system is a technologically advanced robotic surgery system which allows skilled surgeons the ability to perform intricate surgeries that provide patients the best possible surgical outcomes and fastest recovery times,” Krishnaraj said. “This is achieved because with the da Vinci we can make smaller incisions and see magnified real-time imagery of the surgery site in high-definition detail.”
Hospital CEO Gary Lang said of the new system, “This is another step in our continuing effort to offer high-end technology that enhances our commitment to quality and convenience.”
Doctors like Krishnaraj perform surgeries several feet away from the patient with a computer. From there they see magnified pictures in high definition images and control robotic arms to make precise surgical maneuvers.
The system allows surgeons to maintain full control of every surgical movement throughout the procedure. This allows the surgeon to use his or her skills while being enhanced by the system, which also has 1 million automated safety checks per second to increase patient safety.
The system creates several other benefits for patients, which include:
Smaller incisions, which allow for faster healing and little to no scarring
Shortened hospital stay or possibly outpatient surgery
Minimal blood loss and less chance a blood transfusion will be needed
Less pain after surgery
Surgeons already have performed a variety of procedures, including prostate removal, colorectal surgery and a hysterectomy.
Dr. Sara Perez also recently performed her first robotic procedure, an ovary removal.
“This allows me as a surgeon to work with each of my patients to select the surgical approach that is best for that individual patient and provides the best possible surgical outcome and the quickest recovery,” Perez said.
For more information on the hospital, visit www.PascoRegionalmc.com.
