Regional Expands Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program
7/29/2014
SCRANTON, Pa. (July 30, 2014) – Regional Hospital of Scranton, the first hospital to perform robotic-assisted surgery in the region, recently acquired a new device that will expand its robotic program and allow its surgeons to perform additional types of minimally invasive operations.
The new robot uses advanced, robotic, computer and optical technologies to offer patients faster recovery time, minimal scarring and pain, less trauma on the body, low blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. The new equipment is being used to perform gynecologic, urologic, and general surgery and has the capacity to support weight loss and thoracic surgeries as well. This approach to surgery allows physicians to perform complex surgical procedures through small incisions. The robot does not act on its own and its movements are controlled by the surgeon.
One of the features of the new device is the ability to offer single-site surgery which means surgeons may make only one incision in the patient.
“The medical staff and hospital team at Regional have been leaders in bringing new technology to Northeast Pennsylvania, and we are very pleased to acquire this latest in minimally invasive technology, for our friends and neighbors here in Northeast Pennsylvania,” Turkel said.
During a procedure using the new robot, miniature surgical instruments are mounted on three separate robotic arms, allowing the surgeon maximum range of motion and precision. The fourth arm contains a magnified, high-definition, three-dimensional camera that guides the surgeon during the procedure. The surgeon controls the instruments and the camera from a console in the operating room and simultaneously operates all four arms. This method gives the surgeon a clearer, more detailed view of the operating site than the human eye can provide.
Turkel said the hospital is concentrating its efforts on training more surgeons to use robotics in order to provide patients with the most optimal surgical experience.
Note to Media: If you would like to interview one of the surgeons skilled in robotic-assisted surgery, please call Renita Fennick at 570-552-7469 to make arrangements.
Regional Hospital of Scranton Medical Staff Surgeons Performing Robotic-Assisted Procedures
Dr. Jay Bannon, general surgery
Dr. George Chamoun, gynecological oncology
Dr. Raymond DeCesare, gynecology
Dr. Jerald Gilbert, urology
Dr. Ira Kohn, urology
Dr. Mark Molnar, gynecology
Dr. Gary Neale, bariatric surgery
Dr. Barbara Plucknett, gynecology
Dr. J. Robert Ramey, urology
Dr. Gary Reedy, gynecology
Dr. James Stefanelli, urology
Dr. J. Michael Tedesco, gynecology
