Contacts:
Karen Huxtable
Manager, Public and Media Relations
(607) 547-4581
karen.huxtable@bassett.org
Diane L. Wells
(607) 547-6354
diane.wells@bassett.org
Cooperstown, NY – January 12, 2009 – Robotic-assisted surgery to remove the prostate is now being offered at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. Prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in men, can now be addressed at Bassett utilizing a minimally invasive, high-tech approach which has become the standard of care for patients who require removal of the prostate. In addition to prostatectomies, surgeons at Bassett will be using robotic-assisted surgery in the treatment of certain other cancers including head, neck, and rectal cancer. There will also be some general surgical applications. Soon to follow will be heart-related procedures such as valve repair, coronary bypass and arrhythmia surgery. Dr. Carlos Bermejo (photo above), who is specially trained in this technique, says “Robotic surgery allows for a smaller incision, and there is less risk of infection and bleeding, less pain and faster recovery. In the case of a radical prostatectomy, erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are two of the top concerns that patients voice. But with the robotic technique, there is better nerve sparing and so it offers the best chance for maintaining potency and continence."
Bermejo also explains that, “Robot is a misnomer because there are no independent motions initiated by the instrument. All the motions are translations of the surgeon’s movements, and we’re able, through this robotic-assisted technology, to eliminate tremors and complete very delicate hand movements at an even more precise level.”
The robotic arms inserted through small portals are outfitted with a camera and specialized surgical instruments designed for the procedure. Unlike conventional surgery, the doctor’s hands do not directly touch these instruments. Rather, the surgeon’s hands are at the controls of a computerized robotic platform, which allows for the manipulation of surgical instruments. Each time one of the controls is moved, a computer sends an electronic signal to one of the instruments, which moves in sync with the movements of the surgeon’s hands.
