Backgrounder on robot-assisted surgery at Vancouver General Hospital
September 10th, 2007
Robot-assisted surgery is a significant technological
advancement and allows VGH to continue to play a leadership role in
health care innovation for patients. Medical technology forecasters
predict a role for robot-assisted surgery in operating rooms of the
future.
Vancouver General Hospital will be the third facility in the entire
country to provide this innovative method of surgery to patients.
In the first three years, five types of procedures will be
performed at VGH using the new technology: three urology-related
procedures; one cardiovascular surgery procedure; and one
gynecology procedure.
Urology Procedures
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Radical Prostatectomy: A surgical procedure
that removes the entire prostate gland plus some surrounding
tissue.
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Pyeloplasty: An operation to remove a blockage
in the tube (ureter) leading from one of the kidneys to the
bladder.
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Living Donor Nephrectomy: Removal of a kidney
from a living donor for immediate transplantation into a
patient in critical need.
Cardiovascular Surgery Procedures
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Mitral Valve Repair: There are four valves
within the heart; the mitral, tricuspid, aortic and pulmonic
valves. Mitral valve repair is the procedure of choice for most
patients with mitral regurgitation (a leaky mitral valve).
Gynecology Procedure
Over the initial three-year trial period, it is estimated that
nearly 600 patients will be treated with this leading-edge
technology.
Benefits to Patients
The most important benefit of robot-assisted surgery is
the improvement of patient health outcomes. These benefits to
patients are numerous and include:
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Less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays
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Faster convalescence, therefore reduced need for
convalescent services (ie estimated recovery from radical
prostatectomy is seven weeks after open surgery vs. four weeks
after robot-assisted surgery. Twenty fewer days in
convalescence means 15 fewer days away from
work).
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Lower use of analgesics
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Fewer surgical complications
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In cases of surgeries where tissue removal is required, more
accurate or at least as complete, removal of tissues. This
translates into a decreased risk of progression or recurrence
and increased disease-free survival.
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Access to the most advanced procedures and highly motivated
personnel
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In the future, this technology may permit surgery in cases
that might otherwise have been inoperable
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While the first three to five years will be
focused on in-house procedures, this technology has the
potential to enable telesurgical applications, stretching the
benefits to patients beyond the hospital. This would be
particularly impactful in B.C.’s rural and remote
communities, benefiting patients, health care professionals and
the system overall.
Benefits to surgeons
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Enables much more precise surgery than ever before
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Better access to difficult to reach body cavities
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Reduced fatigue during surgery
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Opportunities to research, refine, and teach newest
procedures
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Opportunities for professional growth for surgeons and their
surgical teams
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Easier to learn than traditional laparoscopy
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Enhanced ability to teach by being able to show students and
residents areas that are otherwise visible only to the
surgeon
Benefits to the health care system
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The introduction of robot-assisted surgery will reinforce
VGH’s position as a leading centre of surgical
excellence and innovation in Canada and worldwide
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It will strengthen our ability to attract, train, and retain
the ”best and the brightest” clinical
staff
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It will increase opportunities for VGH-initiated invention,
development, and refinement of surgical solutions
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By reducing risks and recovery times associated with live
kidney donation, an increase in individuals willing to
participate in this procedure is anticipated
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Shorter times in hospital translate into cost avoidance -
such as reduced risk of acquiring infections in the hospital,
greater patient comfort, and more acute care beds available for
other patients waiting for care
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