da Vinci^®... Changing the Experience of Surgery at Pullman Regional Hospital

If you have been diagnosed with a condition that may require surgery, you owe it to yourself to learn about all of your medical options, including the most effective, least invasive surgical treatments available.

The da Vinci^® Surgical System provides surgeons with an alternative to both traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, putting a surgeon's hands at the controls of a state-of-the-art robotic platform. The da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision.

For the patient, benefits may include:

• Significantly less pain
• Less blood loss
• Less scarring
• Shorter recovery time
• A faster return to normal daily activities
• And in many cases, better clinical outcomes

Pullman Regional Hospital is now making da Vinci robotic surgery available for urologic procedures, such as prostatectomies for prostate cancer, and gynecological procedures, such as hysterectomies.  John Keizur, M.D., Palouse Urology, Ric Minudri, M.D, Pullman-Moscow OB/GYN and John Visger, M.D., Palouse Surgeons, are currently training on da Vinci and are expected to be fully trained and certified to perform surgical procedures by December 2011. You may contact these providers for more information at:

Palouse Urology 835 SE Bishop Blvd. Pullman, WA 99163 (509) 332-3488

Pullman-Moscow OB/GYN 1205 SE Professional Mall Blvd. Pullman, WA 99163 (509) 332-7511

Palouse Surgeons, LLC 825 SE Bishop Blvd. Ste. 130 Pullman, WA 99163 (509) 338-0632

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da Vinci Prostatectomy

Facing any kind of urologic surgery creates a great deal of anxiety for most men. Among your concerns is: "Will my body function normally following surgery?" Traditional open urologic surgery – in which large incisions are made to access the pelvic organs – has been the standard approach when surgery is warranted. Yet common drawbacks of this procedure include significant post-surgical pain, a lengthy recovery and an unpredictable, potentially long-term impact on continence and sexual function.

da Vinci Surgery, a minimally invasive approach that utilizes the latest in surgical and robotics technologies, is ideal for delicate urologic surgery. This includes prostatectomy, in which the target site is not only tightly confined but also surrounded by nerves affecting urinary control and sexual function.

Learn More: Minimally invasive options for urologic surgery

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da Vinci Hysterectomy

Traditional open gynecologic surgery, using a large incision for access to the uterus and surrounding anatomy, has for many years been the standard approach to many gynecologic procedures. Yet with open surgery can come significant pain, trauma, a long recovery process and threat to surrounding organs and nerves.

For complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures, robot-assisted surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option. Through tiny, 1-2 cm incisions, surgeons using the da Vinci System can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes.

Learn More: Minimally invasive options for gynecologic surgery
Learn More: da Vinci Hysterectomy
Learn More: Pullman Regional Hospital Robotic-Assisted Surgery in the News