Prostatectomies performed using the da Vinci® Surgical System have the potential for less blood loss, less pain, minimal scarring and faster recovery time as compared to traditional procedures.

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital of Keck Medicine of USC has acquired a da Vinci® Surgical System Robot for minimally invasive, robotic-assisted prostatectomies. Mike Nguyen, MD, MPH, associate professor of clinical urology, and Rene Sotelo, professor of clinical urology at Keck Medicine of USC will be on-site to perform the surgeries.

The da Vinci® Surgical System, manufactured by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., offers patients a treatment option that often results in smaller incisions (less than one inch), less pain and medication, minimal scarring, reduced bleeding, shorter hospital stays and decreased recovery time as compared to traditional prostatectomies.

The surgeon is in complete control of the device throughout the prostatectomy. The surgical system includes a three-dimensional, high-definition view inside the patient, which the surgeon uses to guide wristed, robotic instruments that bend and rotate with greater range than the human hand. This results in improved vision, precision and control over procedures performed by hand by even the most meticulous surgeon.

“The USC Institute of Urology is a pioneer in robotic surgery, and we are thrilled to offer our patients at Verdugo Hills this cutting-edge treatment option,” said Nguyen. “Our commitment to personalized care using the most innovative practices is what makes the USC Institute of Urology a leader in the treatment of prostate cancer.”

“The capabilities of the da Vinci robotic surgical system, while impressive, are only as effective as the surgeon driving the machine,” said Gill. “Patients at USC Verdugo Hills can rest assured that not only do they have access to the most sophisticated medical devices, but also the most sophisticated medical minds and the most skilled surgical hands.”

The installation of the da Vinci® robot is just one of a few exciting recent developments at Verdugo Hills Hospital. The Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation recently donated a $250,000 gift to renovate the emergency care department, which remains a top priority for 2016. Keith Hobbs, formerly associate vice president of finance at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, was appointed CEO of the hospital at the beginning of the year.

By Mary Dacuma