Texas Health Cleburne

4 TexasHealth.org inimally invasive surgical technology enables physicians to perform procedures with fewer, smaller incisions, through the use of small instruments and cameras. "We provide advanced care in a community setting here at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne," says Diane Wood, R.N., director of Surgery at Texas Health Cleburne. "We are dedicated to adding advanced surgical technology to better serve our patients. So far, three surgeons on the medical staff are regularly performing minimally invasive procedures with the da Vinci ® Surgical System, new to Texas Health Cleburne. The group includes two obstetric and gynecologic specialists and one general surgeon." THE PROCEDURES Several procedures may be an excellent match for minimally invasive approaches, including removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy), removal of the appendix (appendectomy) and ovary removal surgery (oophorectomy). Minimally Invasive Matters Any time a patient can return home faster with fewer complications after surgery, it's a win for everyone. Thanks to advanced surgical techniques, this is happening more often every day. Many of these procedures, such as hysterectomies, are extremely common. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, hysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure for women with approximately 600,000 performed each year. Robot-assisted surgery, such as da Vinci, is not always the right choice for all patients and all conditions. Surgeons on the medical staff at Texas Health Cleburne perform traditional and laparoscopic procedures as well as minimally invasive procedures and work one-on-one with patients to determine which surgical solution is right for them. "As less tissue is affected during surgery, robot-assisted procedures may allow patients to be up and about in hours instead of days," Wood says. "These patients tend to use less pain medication, have shorter recovery periods and can get back to their lives sooner. That's a win in all our books." m For more information about the da Vinci Surgical System, visit TexasHealth.org/Robotics.

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