GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 4, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Doctors at Glendale Adventist Medical Center successfully performed a dual robotic surgery on a female patient last week (October 29). Using the da Vinci Surgical System, Dr. Ata Mazahari performed gallbladder surgery first and immediately after, Dr. John Kirk performed a hysterectomy using the same robot, same anesthesia, and same small incisions.
A photo accompanying this release is available at
With robotic surgery, patients experience reduced trauma to the body, reduced blood loss and need for transfusions, less post-operative pain and discomfort, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and less scarring.
"This gives you precision, better visualization and improves your accuracy. Using the da Vinci Surgical System, the patient can come in the morning and be released the same day. With conventional open surgery, this procedure would have required a 4-day stay," said Dr. Mazahari. "We used tiny incisions, 4 incisions of 8-12 millimeters, so there was less pain and improved activity for the patient so she could go home sooner."
This is the most effective, least invasive alternative to both traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, putting the surgeon's hands at the controls of a state-of-the-art robotic platform. The da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision.
"This was an advanced surgery. With conventional open surgery, there would have been more pain, more blood loss and more chance of infection. By joining with another surgeon and doing dual robotic surgery, in addition to serving the patient better, we also saved the system time and money," said Dr. Kirk. "First Dr. Mazahari removed the gall bladder, then we re-positioned the table and machine so I was able to do the second surgery. It saved the patient from having anesthesia exposure for a second time. The entire procedure took about 2 ½ hours."
Using the da Vinci Surgical System, the surgeon is seated comfortably at a console viewing a 3D image of the surgical field. The master controls at the console seamlessly translate the surgeons hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient. The system also enables surgeons to perform procedures using only 1-2 cm incisions.
Because these procedures are now minimally invasive, the da Vinci Surgical System helps to improve clinical outcomes and redefine standards of care.
To learn more about the robotic surgery program at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, go to
CONTACT: Glendale Adventist Medical Center Media Contact: Alicia Gonzalez (818) 800-3113