The da Vinci Surgical System:
Exciting things are afoot at Kaweah Delta. Among them is the potential of
acquiring the new da Vinci robotic system for the medical center’s operating
rooms. This robot will allow surgeons to make very small incisions and yet have
greatly increased magnified three-dimensional vision of the surgical site along
with pinpoint precision for the procedure.
The da Vinci is considered to be state of the art for urologic procedures,
especially prostrate surgery, as well as hysterectomies and gynecological
surgeries, abdominal surgeries, and heart valve surgeries. It greatly enhances
the surgeon’s ability to target and remove cancerous tumors with a minimum of
trauma to surrounding tissue. Da Vinci combines 3D visualization with dexterity,
precision and control, allowing the surgeon to perform complex surgeries that
are minimally invasive and dramatically reduce patients’ recovery times.
The surgeon actually sits at the robotic console and manipulates the robot’s
arms while visualizing the surgical field on a three-dimensional screen. The
smaller incisions, reduced trauma to tissues, and decreased blood loss means
reduced pain and much shorter recovery time for the patient.
Da Vinci robotic technology improves patient outcomes by reducing trauma, blood
loss, post-operative pain, infection and hospital stays, thereby helping
patients return to active and productive lives much more quickly than they would
with conventional surgery. The da Vinci robotic system is being used in major
medical centers and teaching institutions. Many surgeons are being trained using
this system, so having it at Kaweah Delta will have the added advantage of
helping to recruit new surgeons.
Kaweah Delta Health Care District Board members and Medical Staff leadership
have endorsed the da Vinci surgical system and recommended that Kaweah Delta
acquire it.
The Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation has agreed to raise the $2 million needed
to purchase the da Vinci robot.
For information about the da Vinci Campaign please call or email Campaign
Director Dena Cochran (
559-624-2359;
dcochran@kdhcd.org).
