Mayfield Heights, January 27, 2010 - Robotic surgery is an innovative and minimally-invasive approach that only a handful of hospitals nationwide are performing. This approach can offer many benefits to patients including less pain, discomfort and recovery time than traditional surgery. Fairview and Hillcrest hospitals recently became the first Cleveland Clinic regional hospitals to perform robotic surgeries. Hillcrest is the only Eastside community hospital to offer this capability.
“Many surgical procedures performed today using standard laparoscopic technique may be performed more quickly and easily using robotic surgery,” says Michael Gong, MD, Ph.D., Cleveland Clinic urologist at Hillcrest Hospital, who performed the first robotic surgery in an Eastside community hospital. “Also, patients may experience benefits such as reduced trauma to the body, reduced blood loss and need for transfusions, less post-operative pain and discomfort, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and return to normal daily activities, and less scarring and improved cosmetic outcome.”
Using the robotic system, the surgeon operates while seated at a console viewing a 3D image of the surgical field. The surgeon's fingers grasp the master controls with hands and wrists. The system seamlessly translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient. Many surgeons at Fairview and Hillcrest are trained and greatly experienced to use robotic capabilities to operate on both urological and gynecological conditions, including cancer, with plans to expand to other specialties.
“For women facing the diagnosis of cancer and those facing the prospect of a complete hysterectomy, the robotic surgery option offers them the benefits of tiny incisions with less pain to get them back to life faster,” says Richard Drake, MD, Cleveland Clinic obstetrics and gynecology oncologist at Fairview Hospital.
The hospitals joined Cleveland Clinic in becoming leaders in the region offering robotic surgery. From as far west as Toledo and as far east as Youngstown, robotic surgery is now easily accessible to anyone in Northeast Ohio. To make an appointment, patients and physician offices can call 866-733-6363.
Founded in 1892, Fairview Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic hospital, is a faith-based, not-for-profit 499-bed hospital dedicated to providing high quality, patient-focused healthcare. Fairview’s strong clinical Centers of Excellence include heart, cancer, women’s and children’s, emergency and orthopedics specialties. Fairview Hospital has a staff of more than 900 physicians in more than 60 specialties.
The comprehensive Heart Center covers every aspect of emergency, diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitative care with a fully accredited Chest Pain Center and Cleveland Clinic heart surgery program.
Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Fairview offers the full range of care and clinical trials. The Center is accredited as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the Commission on Cancer, an affiliate of the American College of Surgeons. Women’s services include Ohio’s first certified Breast Health Center and gynecologic oncology program. Fairview Hospital has the busiest birthing center on the West Side, with a designated a Level III Perinatal Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Emergency Department. Adult emergency care includes a Level II Trauma Center. In 2009, the hospital achieved Magnet Status, national recognition for excellence in nursing care. The hospital offers comprehensive pediatric services including inpatient pediatrics supported by community physicians and Cleveland Clinic pediatric surgeons and specialists. For more information, please visit www.fairviewhospital.org.
Hillcrest is a full-service, 424-bed hospital that serves the medical needs of Mayfield Heights and the surrounding communities, including Lake and Geauga counties. The hospital is in the midst of a $163 million expansion and renovation project that includes state-of-the-art facilities with major infrastructure and technology improvements. Hillcrest offers comprehensive cardiovascular services including cardiothoracic surgery under the direction of Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. Services also include a full range of cancer care, including medical, radiation and GYN oncology provided by Cleveland Clinic staff. Other programs include state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient surgery; pain management and digestive health. Hillcrest delivers more babies than any other east side community hospital, and babies with special needs are cared for in the Level II special care nursery. The hospital also features a pediatric emergency room and is a Level II Trauma Center. Hillcrest has been named 11 times as one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals in the consumer choice survey conducted by Thomson/Reuters, a leading provider of information to the health care industry. To learn more visit hillcresthospital.org.
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