Until recently, to access the lung, the surgeon had to perform a thoracotomy, which involves cutting into the side of the chest, between the ribs. This procedure would often result in debilitating pain for the patient, as well as a long recovery.
Using the daVinici Surgical System, which is a computer-directed robot, Dr. Thompson can access the lung through a small, precise, incision, without spreading the ribs. Sitting at a remote console, he uses joystick-like controls to maneuver the robotic arms. Operated in real-time, when his fingers move, the robots arms move.
"The entire team of nurses, techs and my physician assistant are to be congratulated", says Thompson. "We look forward to offering a successful robotic lobectomy program for people throughout the region."
