72 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com By Janet E. Perrigo Does the thought of a steely, cold metal robot operating on your fragile body feel a bit unsettling? A historic milestone that recently took place at Summerville Medical Center should calm those jitters. Beth Cook, M.D., recently completed her 500th robotic gynecological procedure at Summerville Medical Center, a Trident Health Lowcountry hospital. As of early November, almost 5,000 such surgeries have been performed at the hospital, including 3,350 obstetric and gynecological procedures. Currently, fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeons keep three robotic systems at the hospital booked for gynecological, orthopedic, spinal, pediatric, reflux, weight-loss, breast, vascular, bariatric and general surgeries. The surgical training program for robotics is rigorous and extensive, but the results are well worth it, according to Dr. Cook. Although she performs more hysterectomies than any other procedure, common gynecological robotic surgeries also include pelvic organ prolapses, myomectomies, endometriosis excisions, removal of noncancerous ovarian cysts and excision of adhesions. Working from the robotic console of a 3D high-definition screen, Dr. Cook has enhanced visualization of the operative field. The robotic arm allows for a full 540-degree “wristed” rotation, which gives her extended range of motion. Tiny incisions are made, ports with connected instruments are inserted and then she is ready to perform delicate and precise procedures. The robot acts as an extension of her hands, and, because the video image is true to actual movements, she can operate intuitively with better and faster results. Patients who choose robotic surgeries are pleased because they require a smaller amount of pain medication and recover at a faster rate than traditional surgery offers. Surgeons like Dr. Cook also appreciate the minimal bleeding and impact on surrounding tissue. In gynecological surgeries, the robotic equipment allows for less overdistension of the abdomen, which minimizes discomfort and expedites the surgical recovery protocol. Increased visualization allows skilled surgeons to complete these procedures more quickly. For example, a typical hysterectomy can be finished in 35 to 40 minutes. The surgeon can ARE YOU READY TO TRUST A SURGICAL ROBOT?
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