VALPARAISO | The da Vinci robotic surgical platform n the technology that sparked a revolutionary change in prostate cancer surgery n is proving to be just as effective for use in gynecological surgery.

Dr. Kurt Wiese, an obstetrician/gynecologist on staff at Porter, performed the first gynecological procedures at Porter using the da Vinci robot in late July and early August. Porter purchased the $1.8 million robotic surgical platform in June.

Wiese said he has been pleased with the surgical outcomes he has seen.

"The procedures I have done using the da Vinci robot have gone exactly as we had hoped they would. The robot worked extremely effectively," he said. "Patients experience less blood loss and are able to go home from the hospital two to three days sooner than they would otherwise. When they do go home, they have four band-aids covering four small incisions instead of the large incision that is normally required for such surgeries."

The da Vinci robot has been proven an effective tool in performing hysterectomies, as well as myomectomy, which is the surgical removal of uterine fibroids, and sacrocolpopexy, which is the surgical repair of the pelvic floor.

What the makers of the da Vinci robot have done is adapt robotic technology used by astronauts to the surgical theatre, allowing physicians to perform complex and delicate procedures with unmatched precision and visualization.

Using a series of small incisions, miniaturized instruments and a high definition 3-D camera are placed inside the body. Using the images, the surgeon views a magnified, high-resolution, 3-D image of the surgical site while the robot and computers translate the surgeon's hand movements into precise micro-movements of the instruments inside the body.

In addition to gynecological surgery, the da Vinci is being used by surgeons at Porter to perform prostate cancer surgery as well as cystectomies, which is an operation to remove the urinary bladder cancer, and for the removal of tumors in patients who have kidney cancer.

Although the da Vinci surgical platform is not for every patient who needs gynecological surgery, Wiese said for those patients who are candidates for the minimally invasive surgery, the results have been nothing short of amazing.

"It is clear that many women will benefit from having their gynecological surgeries performed using Porter's da Vinci robot," he said. "This technology is cutting edge and has been proven beneficial for patients. This investment by Porter is great for our patients and for health care in this region."

--For The Times