Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 56)

Transforming HealtHcare Robots Expand Their Reach Patients needing chest surgery now benefit from a minimally invasive, robotic technique S GMC–Duluth surgeons now can perform minimally invasive thoracic (inside the chest) surgeries using robotic technology. ince 2009, Gwinnett Medical Center– Duluth has offered minimally invasive surgery using robotic technology for prostatectomies, hysterectomies and other urologic and gynecologic procedures. Robotic technology has revolutionized these surgeries, and now there is an exciting new use at GMC–Duluth: thoracic surgery, which is surgery on the organs inside the chest, or thorax. The most common open thoracic procedures—such as lung resection or lobectomy for lung cancer, surgery on the esophagus or hiatal hernia, and lymph node biopsy—can be very invasive, often involving opening the ribs or sternum, which makes recovery longer and more painful. With robotic technology, however, these surgeries can now be minimally invasive. Learn more about robotic surgery at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/robotic, or call 678-312-5000 for a physician referral. Explore Your Options for Surgery Thoracic and general surgeon Robert Fritz, M.D., who is certified by the American Board of Surgery, is now performing robotic-assisted thoracic surgeries at GMC–Duluth. “These procedures have provided positive results,” Dr. Fritz says, “generally with earlier patient mobility, faster patient discharge and easier recuperation after discharge.” When performing lobectomy procedures or similar surgeries, larger incisions were once required, yielding longer recovery times and larger scars, plus an increased complication rate. Based on this minimally invasive, robotic approach, lobectomy procedures only require small incisions. Additional advantages of robotic surgery include less bleeding and less risk for infection, reduced discomfort and remarkably quicker recovery. System mechanics include 3-D visualization, high-definition cameras, 10x magnified images and four robotic arms. “I saw the incorporation of the robotic surgical system as an opportunity to enhance the patient experience by providing even further precision surgically, and easier recovery, even compared with a minimally invasive or VATS [videoassisted thoracic surgery] approach, which I have used for 20 years,” Dr. Fritz says. “In general, the robotic approach provides a distinct advantage, especially in the more complex surgeries that we see here at GMC–Duluth.” 56 Vim & Vigor • SP R I N G 2 012 onlinE http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/robotic

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
The Philanthropist Next Door
Special Delivery
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
A New Day
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
PrimeTime Health
Reclaiming Form and Function
Nice Follow-Through
Out of the White Coat
SPECIAL: Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center