Emory Johns Creek Hospital completes surgery using da Vinci

November 16, 2011

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. -- Emory Johns Creek Hospital announced today it completed its first cases using the new daVinci Si surgical system. The patients representing these first cases underwent complex gynecological surgeries using the new system. Because the daVinci system allows physicians to perform advanced surgeries in a less-invasive manner, the patients returned to their normal activities significantly faster than with traditional surgery.

The first cases were performed by John Reyes, MD, and his wife, Ingrid Reyes, MD, both obstetricians and gynecologists at Modern Obstetrics and Gynecology and Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Both physicians are highly-experienced in procedures using the daVinci system and were pleased with the incorporation of the daVinci into the hospital.

"Emory Johns Creek Hospital has the most advanced version of the daVinci surgical system, as well as a highly experienced clinical team in place to manage its safe and effective implementation and operation," said Ingrid Reyes. "It was a successful team effort between physicians, nurses, operating room staff and administrators, and the benefits of having the latest technology available locally will be realized by patients for years to come," she said.

Though it is often called a "robot," the da Vinci cannot act on its own. The surgery is performed entirely by the physician. The daVinci technology allows the doctor to perform complex procedures through just a few tiny openings. It translates the physician's hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the body. It offers an enhanced, 3-D, high-definition picture of the operative field, providing an even better viewing range than that of the naked eye and superior visual clarity of tissue and anatomy.

"The daVinci system revolutionizes what we're able to do surgically," said John Reyes. "We can perform advanced types of surgery, such as a hysterectomy, removal of fibroids and ovarian cysts, and treatment of endometriosis, in a minimally-invasive way," he said.

Research shows that with daVinci surgery, patients experience less pain than with traditional operating procedures, as well as less blood loss and scarring. And, with lower risk of complications, patients experience shorter hospital stays and may be back to their regular activities quickly.

"All of our patients have gone home the morning after surgery and are back to regular activities within a few days to a couple of weeks," said Ingrid Reyes. "We are so excited to offer daVinci surgery locally to the women of this community because it is a great option for many patients."

For more information, contact 678-474-8200 or visit www.emoryjohnscreek.com.