Iowa Methodist Medical Center has announced the availability of a new, enhanced robotic-assisted surgery to treat patients. Iowa Methodist Medical Center is the first hospital in Iowa to upgrade to this technology and offer this surgical equipment option.

The first procedure was completed December 21 on an adult female patient. Pediatric patients will also be treated using this equipment by our pediatric surgeons at Blank Children's Hospital.

Approximately 20 years ago, surgeons began practicing a new way to perform surgery -minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Minimally invasive surgery refers to surgery performed in ways other than through large "open" incisions in the body.

In the late 1990s, however, another revolutionary surgical technique called robotic-assisted surgery was introduced with the Da Vinci Surgical System at the forefront. The System is making it possible to convert complex procedures in a broad range of surgical specialties from open surgeries to those using minimally invasive techniques.

"The Da Vinci Surgical System allows a surgeon greater visualization, enhanced dexterity, precision and control and superior ergonomics," said Dr. Steve Stephenson, Chief Operating Officer, Iowa Methodist Medical Center. "Multiple clinical studies have shown that the Da Vinci Surgical System offers patients shorter hospital stays, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss and transfusions, less scarring and faster recovery."

If you are interested in learning more about the Da Vinci Surgical System at Iowa Methodist Medical Center please visitwww.iowahealth.org.