The da Vinci surgical robotics system is nothing short of amazing in the hands of a skilled surgeon. When compared to traditional or laparoscopic surgery, patients report less pain, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to their daily activities. Seven surgeons in our area are trained on Pullman Regional Hospital’s da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical system for procedures in urology, gynecology, and general surgery. 

In August 2022, Pullman Regional Hospital upgraded the da Vinci surgical robot from the Si model to the Xi model. This upgraded technology includes increased imaging clarity, handling of instruments, and the ability to dock on the bedside from any angle. 

Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery

da Vinci surgery requires only a few small incisions versus a long, larger incision used in traditional open surgery. Some da Vinci procedures can also be done with just a single incision in the belly button. 

Your surgeon is 100% in control of the da Vinci System, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body.  Your surgeon sits at a console and controls the robotic arms that mimic the movements of your surgeon’s hands, bending and rotating just like a wrist. A three-dimensional, high-definition camera gives your surgeon enhanced vision with ten times magnification of the operative field. Fluorescence imaging further contributes to patient safety and reduces risk, illuminating vessels otherwise hidden to the naked eye.

Surgeons and patients say using the da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical system has the following potential benefits:

  • less pain
  • less blood loss
  • less scarring
  • shorter hospital stay
  • shorter recovery and faster return to normal activities

 

Procedures and Providers

Gynecology: Moscow Pullman OB/GYN (208) 883-0813 or (509) 332-7511

Nigel Campbell, MD; Ric Minudri, MD; Huong A. Trinh, MD

  • Total abdominal hysterectomies
  • Ovarian cystectomies (removal of ovarian cysts)
  • Oophorectomies (removal of ovaries)
  • Salpingectomy or salpingostomy (removal of fallopian tube or opening of fallopian tube to remove tubal pregnancies)
  • Adhesiolysis (removal of pelvic adhesions)

 

Urology: Palouse Urology Center (509) 332-3488

John Keizur, MD

  • Prostatectomies
  • Partial & total nephrectomies (removal of the kidney)
  • Sacral colpopexy (correction of the prolapse of the vagina)

 

General Surgery: Pullman Surgical Associates (509) 338-0632

John Visger, MD; Nancy Panko, MD

  • Cholecystectomies & colorectal surgery
  • Hernias
  • Abdominal perianal resection
  • Nissen fundoplication (for acid reflux)
  • Colectomy & sigmoid colectomy