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G17 - April 2006 - Robotic Prostatectomy
Intro: It's technology you might see in a science fiction movie. Doctors using robots to perform complicated surgeries. But the future is now at Mayo Clinic. Doctors there are using robots for many operations including prostate cancer surgery. Get the latest on how this advance in technology is helping some patients get better faster.
| Video | Audio |
Total running time 1:24 |
IT'S TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE. DOCTORS USING ROBOTS TO PERFORM COMPLICATED SURGERIES WITHOUT MAKING LARGE INCISIONS. |
Robert Ferrigni, M.D. |
"THIS ROBOT THAT WE'RE USING, THE DAVINCI ROBOT, WAS ACTUALLY A CONCEPT THAT WAS DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE." |
Standup To Dr. Ferrigni video or surgery video |
DR. ROBERT FERRIGNI SAYS THE IDEA WAS TO ALLOW SURGEONS IN THE SAFETY OF A MEDICAL CAMP TO OPERATE ON WOUNDED SOLDIERS OUT ON THE FRONT LINES. BUT NOW, DR. FERRIGNI IS USING THE ROBOT TO BATTLE PROSTATE CANCER FOR CIVILIANS AT HOME. (TOOL SOUND) FOR PEOPLE LIKE TOOLMAKER JAMES GUYUN. |
James Guyun |
"I WAS DIAGNOSED WHEN I WAS 60 YEARS OLD." |
VO: James at work |
YOU MIGHT THINK JAMES CHOSE TO HAVE HIS PROSTATE GLAND REMOVED ROBOTICALLY BECAUSE HE'S FAMILIAR WITH THE TECHNOLOGY. |
James Guyun |
"WE HAVE ROBOTS THAT PICK PARTS AND STACK TRAYS." |
| BUT THE REAL REASON WAS ... | |
| James Guyun | "I WAS LOOKING FOR A QUICK RECOVERY AND NO PAIN." |
To animation |
OF COURSE THERE'S SOME PAIN, BUT THE ROBOTIC APPROACH IS MUCH LESS INVASIVE THAN A STANDARD OPEN OPERATION. THE ROBOT'S ARMS ARE EQUIPPED WITH TINY TOOLS AND A CAMERA THAT ENTER THE BODY THROUGH FIVE SMALL PORTHOLES. WITH THE TOOLS IN PLACE, DOCTOR FERRIGNI GUIDES THEM TO THE CANCEROUS PROSTATE GLAND, AND VERY CAREFULLY REMOVES IT. |
| Robert Ferrigni, M.D. | "AND WE EXTRACT THE PROSTATE SPECIMEN AT THE END OF THE OPERATION SEALED IN A LITTLE BAG THROUGH THE NAVEL." |
| NO LARGE INCISION, LESS BLEEDING, AND LESS PAIN HELPED JAMES RETURN TO WORK AND LIFE THREE WEEKS BEFORE HE WOULD HAVE AFTER STANDARD SURGERY. | |
| James Guyun | "I'M BACK TO NORMAL." |
| FOR MEDICAL EDGE, I'M VIVIEN WILLIAMS. | |
Another benefit of the robot is that the tools can move in directions a surgeon's hands can't. That makes it easier for them to stitch tissue. And because of the hinged tools robotic surgery may be easier to do than the other less invasive approach -- laparoscopy, which utilizes tools that don't bend.
Some of the disadvantages of robotic surgery include a longer operating time and a learning curve for surgeons. But Dr. Ferrigni says the robot makes a difficult procedure easier on the patient. For more information, log on to our Web site at ...
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