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Saint Alphonsus Offers daVinci Si

State-of-the-art Robotic Technology

Five hundred years ago, Leonardo da Vinci was working in Italy as an artist and engineer, drawing amazingly detailed sketches of human anatomy and even designing a number of complex machines.  Today, the state-of-the-art robot-assisted surgery system bearing his name is utilized by highly skilled surgeons to perform prostectomies and hysterectomies as well as other procedures.   In 2002 Saint Alphonsus was proud to be the first hospital in Idaho to utilize this amazing technology and once again, we are the first to bring the latest 4-arm technology to the Treasure Valley.

What is the da Vinci system & what are the benefits?
When medication, lifestyle changes and other non-surgical treatments do not relieve symptoms, a surgical procedure may be recommended.  For some individuals, surgery may be a scary alternative regardless of how routine the procedure.  If your doctor recommends surgery, you will want to learn as much as you can about options available to you. 

In many cases, surgery is the most effective and accepted treatment for a wide range of abdominal and other conditions.  Traditional open surgery however, has its drawbacks including pain, trauma, long recovery time, significant scarring and risk of infection.  Fortunately however, for Saint Alphonsus patients a less invasive alternative is available. 

The da Vinci Si Surgical System consists of two main pieces of equipment: The first is a computer console that contains a high-resolution 3D viewing monitor, and innovative EndoWrist instrumentation (i.e., hand controls, foot pedals and the robot itself).  Seated at a console, the physician views the surgical area through a tiny endoscope camera that reveals three-dimensional images magnified significantly larger than the actual size. The controls at the console allow the physician to move the robotic “hands” with precision, eliminating the natural tremor of even the steadiest of human hands.

The da Vinci Surgical System makes it possible for more surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures. This ultimately raises the standard of care for complex surgeries, translating into numerous potential patient benefits - a shorter hospital stay, less pain, a faster recovery and faster return to normal daily activities.

What surgeries can it be used for?   
Over the years, the system has been authorized for use in an increasing variety of procedures.  Here at Saint Alphonsus, some of the procedures it is utilized for include:

  • Removal of the prostate (prostatectomy).
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
  • Removal of uterine fibroids (myomectomy).
  • Surgeries to treat cancer in the bladder, colon and kidneys.

Meet the Saint Alphonsus physicians trained to use robotic technology:

  • Amy Cooper, MD, Gynecologic Oncology
  • Juliana DiGiosia, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Cynthia Fairfax, MD, Urology
  • John Greer, MD, Urology
  • Mary Janowiak, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Gerard Klomp, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Helen Kuo, MD, Urology
  • Williams Madland, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Stephen Miller, MD, Urology
  • Gerardo Perez, MD, Gynecologic Oncology
  • David Rice, MD, Urology
  • Todd Waldman, MD, Urology

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