Silver Cross Hospital Performs over 100 Robotic Surgeries

When the new Silver Cross Hospital opened earlier this year, they debuted the da Vinci Si™ Robot, which is the most advanced robotic-assisted technology available today.  The robot, known at Silver Cross as Mia, which stands for minimally invasive approach, has been used by surgeons on staff at the New Lenox hospital to perform more than 100 robotic surgeries in the past six months.

"Robotic surgery is the latest, technologically advanced approach to laparoscopic and minimally-invasive surgery. In the hands of properly trained and experienced surgeons, the surgical robot offers better clinical outcomes, including less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and faster return to normal activities," said Dr. Thai Nguyen, urologist and medical director of the robotic surgery program at Silver Cross Hospital.

The da Vinci robot is designed to facilitate complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach. “The system combines a surgeon's skill with precision technology to provide patients with the newest minimally invasive option for complex surgeries,” said Dr. Nahla Merhi, gynecologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital.

Surgeons at Silver Cross use the robot to perform prostatectomies and gynecological surgical procedures. They have also performed several medical oncology procedures for colorectal, breast, stomach, and esophageal cancers over the past six months.

 “Extremely technical cancer surgeries are now being performed laparoscopically here at Silver Cross using this latest da Vinci robot,”  “said Dr. Reza Gamagami, general surgeon on staff at Silver Cross. 

Additionally, through a partnership between Silver Cross Hospital and The University of Chicago Medicine, patients are receiving comprehensive cancer care close to home. 

Obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Francisco Garcini adds, “Compared to traditional open surgeries, patients benefit from less scarring, minimal bleeding, shorter hospital stays and faster, less painful recoveries.

How does it Work?

Controlled by a surgeon from a console, the innovative da Vinci robot is used to make 1 to 2 cm incisions and then long, delicate instruments are inserted into the patient that enable specially trained physicians to perform the surgery.

Interestingly, misconceptions still exist that the robot is actually performing the surgery all by itself. “The important aspect to understand is that the robotic system cannot be programmed or can it make decisions by itself,” said Luke Cho, M.D., urologist on staff at Silver Cross Hospital. “The da Vinci System requires that every surgical movement be performed with direct input from the surgeon.”

Robot Benefits Patients Undergoing Complex Procedures

Alsip resident Maureen Paulmeyer underwent a complicated procedure to remove a benign ovarian cyst the size of a tangerine using the da Vinci robot. “Ms. Paulmeyer's cyst was located in the retroperitoneum (the far posterior deep part of the abdominal cavity), which is an unusual spot for ovarian cysts thusly ideal for the da Vinci robotic surgical approach,” said Dr. Thomas Vasdekas, the general surgeon who performed her procedure using the robot.

During traditional surgeries, a patient would spend 5 to7 days in the hospital.  However with the da Vinci Surgical System, Paulmeyer went home the same day with only a band-aid covering three small incisions.

“I was so glad to go home to recover in my own home. By using the robot, my major surgery did not end up being a huge interruption to my life,” said 45-year-old Paulmeyer, who is a Junior High School Principal.

Physicians on the Silver Cross Medical Staff, who are credentialed to perform surgery using the da Vinci Si™ Surgical System include:

• Dorothy Anoina, obstetrician/gynecologist

• Luke Cho, M.D., urologist

• Sandra Culbertson, M.D., urogynecologist

• Reza Gamagami, M.D., general surgeon

• Francisco Garcini, M.D., Ph.D., obstetrician/gynecologist

• Monique Jones, obstetrician/gynecologist

• Nita Lee, obstetrician/gynecologist

• Nahla  Merhi, M.D., gynecologist

• Thai Nguyen, M.D., urologist (Medical Director)

• Thomas Vasdekas, M.D., general surgeon

Free Lectures

Surgeons specially trained in robotic surgery will host free seminar in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center located in Pavilion A at 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Register to attend at www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

Women who are considering a hysterectomy, can learn why daVinci surgery may be their best treatment option.  Join Dr. Nahla Merhi, gynecologist, for a lecture on Big Decisions, Small Incisions on Tuesday, October 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. She will discuss the latest innovative procedures to help relieve chronic pain within the reproductive system using robotic surgery.

For women who have had a hysterectomy, experienced vaginal birth or are obese and are living with pelvic prolapse, join Dr. Luke Cho, urologist, to learn about the benefits of surgery to correct this medical problem using the daVinci robot. This free Women & Pelvic Problems lecture will be held on Monday,   December 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.