Robot-assisted cancer surgery?

Isabel Lazo controls the arm of the Da Vinci robotic system at the Stanford Healthcare-Valley Medical Center

Pam has no obvious symptoms of cancer—no bleeding or other symptoms

"The most surprising thing is that they found this.

Three weeks later, Pam was taken to an operating room at the Stanford Health Care Center in Pleasanton, where surgeons used advanced robotic technology to remove her uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes

The technology minimizes pain and bleeding, allowing patients to leave the hospital faster, speeding up their recovery

"This allows us to be more efficient, reduces the operation time, and is always safer for the patient," said Isabel Lazzo, MD, a surgeon at Pam, a clinical assistant professor of gynecological oncology

Stanford Healthcare Corporation-ValleyCare recently received a $2 million grant from the ValleyCare Charitable Foundation, which is currently part of the Stanford Medical Center Development Office

How it works

The surgeon sits in front of the console that controls the robotic arm and operates the system

The surgeon looks at the console screen showing this view, and then manipulates scalpels, scissors, forceps, and other tools

Lazo said that this device allows her to clearly and directly see the surgical site where she is working

Due to the small incision, patients have less pain and bleeding after traditional surgery

In cancer patients, clinicians using this system can quickly find lymph nodes to which cancer cells may spread

Pam stayed in the hospital for one night.

"I am grateful that I have such great nurses

Rick Shumway, President and CEO of Stanford Healthcare, said: "We are excited to provide this technology to our community and look forward to bringing the latest minimally invasive surgery options to the East Bay

"Through the support of the ValleyCare Charitable Foundation, we are able to make this major investment to strengthen the care we provide to the community and enable our patients to recover faster, with less pain, and return to daily activities earlier
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