Single-Incision Surgery Debuts at Local Hospital

As part of its state-of-the-art robotic surgery program, Northside Hospital-Forsyth continues to think outside of the box and recently added single-incision surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System. There are only a handful of hospitals across Georgia that have performed this minimally invasive technique.

"Single-incision robotic surgery is a fantastic addition to Northside Hospital’s robotic capabilities," said Dr. Patrick Kenney, general surgeon.

Kenney who performed the first procedure, a gallbladder removal, at the hospital said, "It allows me to combine the benefits of robotic technology with the proven patient benefits of single-incision surgery."

The minimally invasive robotic surgery has given surgeons better tools to perform more complicated procedures with great precision and achieve better outcomes for their patients, a press release stated. In traditional laparoscopic and robotic surgery, surgeons make several small incisions for the tools and camera needed to perform the procedure. However, Single-Site technology allows surgeons to eliminate multiple incisions and place all the instruments through a single 2-to-2.5-centimeter port, often at the bellybutton, to reduce the appearance of scarring. 

"Single-Site allows me to operate with perfect ergonomics, enhanced 3-D visualization and fine instrument control," said Kenney.

Patients benefit from the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with less pain and blood loss, a quicker recovery and an almost invisible scar once healed.

"My robotic patients have faired just as well postoperatively as my non-robotic patients, with the notable difference that their operative times were significantly shorter with the robot," said Kenney. "Compared to my traditional laparoscopic gallbladder patients, those who have undergone Single-Site robotic surgery are more satisfied with their outcomes."

Northside Hospital-Forsyth began using robotic technology in 2008, joining Northside Hospital-Atlanta, which performed its first robotic surgery in 2005, and Northside Hospital-Cherokee in 2007. All three hospitals offer the latest model of the da Vinci Surgical System – the Si. Georgia’s first Single-Site surgery, using the da Vinci Surgical System, was performed at Northside Hospital-Atlanta in February 2012. 

Although Single-Site robotic surgery is currently only approved for gall bladder removal (cholecystectomy), surgeons are actively using robotic technology to perform procedures across a wide range of specialties. Many of the surgeons on staff at Northside are pioneers in laparoscopic surgery and are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in minimally invasive techniques, like robotic surgery and single incision.

"We are pleased to add this latest technique to our Advanced Robotic Surgery Program and, more so, that the technology is now available at Northside Hospital-Forsyth," said Vicki Barnett, RN, director of surgical services, Northside Hospital. "The achievement highlights the innovative expertise of the general surgeons at Northside Hospital."