The West Clinic Center for Gynecologic Oncology today announced that gynecologic oncologists, M. Patrick Lowe, MD and Todd D. Tillmanns, MD, recently performed the first robotic-assisted hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (lymph node dissection) for the treatment of endometrial cancer in the Mid-South. Drs. Lowe and Tillmanns are the first and only surgeons in the Mid-South to be trained and certified to perform gynecologic laparoscopic surgery using Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci® Surgical System cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April, 2005 for gynecologic applications.

The da Vinci Surgical System, a technologic breakthrough providing surgeons superior 3D visualization, improved dexterity, and increased precision for optimal performance of minimally invasive surgery, is one of the newest technologies available for the treatment of gynecologic cancer. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery with the da Vinci currently report less pain, blood loss, and scarring than those undergoing conventional open surgery. In addition, reduced instances of infection, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and quicker return to normal activities are further reported. The West Clinic’s first patient to undergo robotic surgery was discharged home the day after surgery.

Prior to the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for certain gynecologic cancers approximately 10 years ago, all patients were treated surgically with conventional open laparatomy procedures. According to Dr. Lowe, “The use of the da Vinci robotic system takes standard laparoscopy to the next level in that the 3D visualization and magnification create a superior viewing field when compared to that of standard laparoscopy.”

The da Vinci Surgical System is the world’s only robotic surgical platform designed to enable physicians to perform complex procedures through a series of 1-2 cm incisions. The da Vinci System consists of an ergonomically designed surgeon’s console, which is linked to a patient-side surgical cart featuring four robotic arms that position and maneuver the System’s proprietary EndoWrist® Instruments and 3D camera. A. The da Vinci System scales, filters and seamlessly translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise movements of the EndoWrist instruments.

The West Clinic Center for Gynecologic Oncology is the only center of its kind in the Mid-south providing comprehensive treatment for women with gynecologic cancer. As leaders in cutting-edge research and treatment for more than 25 years, West Clinic physicians currently participate in nationally sponsored clinical trials for ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers. According to Steve Coplon, CEO, “Our research network is one of the most robust in the nation - offering many of the best treatments and procedures of tomorrow - today, here, in the Mid-South.”

For additional information, contact The West Clinic, 901-683-0055, or visit http://www.westclinic.com.