Las Palmas Medical Center Among First in Nation To Perform Single-Site Robotic Hysterectomy Surgery

EL PASO, Texas, April 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery at Las Palmas Medical Center recently became one of the first facilities in the nation to perform a hysterectomy using a new single-site platform for robotic surgery.

"This single-site robotic platform provides surgeons with the increased dexterity, control and high-definition 3-D vision found with traditional robotic surgery, as well as the added benefit of performing the operation through a single, nearly invisible scar hidden in the navel," Richard Farnam, M.D., a gynecologist and robotic surgeon at Las Palmas Medical Center, said. "This surgery underscores Las Palmas Medical Center's commitment to providing patients with the highest level of surgical care using the most advanced minimally invasive surgical options."

Dr. Farnam recently performed the procedure—which involves the removal of a woman's uterus—on five patients following FDA approval of this revolutionary platform for hysterectomies in March of this year. Using a single incision that is approximately two centimeters in length, the system enables surgeons to remove the uterus through the belly button in less than 60 minutes. Previously, hysterectomies required one large incision for open surgery or multiple small incisions for traditional laparoscopic surgery.

Dr. Farnam is one of the nation's most experienced robotic surgeons, having performed more than 750 robot-assisted procedures since 2007. He is one of only seven gynecologists in the nation selected to perform this advanced surgical technique. Three of these seven physicians are members of the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery. The Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery at Las Palmas Medical Center was selected to be among the first in the nation to use this new platform. It will become available to physicians in other parts of the United States during the next few months.

The Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery at Las Palmas Medical Center was launched in March 2012, as an affiliate of the Austin-based Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery in the delivery of da Vinci surgical services. This partnership is a first-in-the-world initiative that creates a collective capability among member hospitals aimed at improving the care delivered to patients, as well as enhancing best practices of surgeons and hospital team members involved in the delivery of da Vinci surgical services.

Las Palmas Medical Center
Las Palmas Medical Center, located at 1801 N. Oregon, is part of Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare, the leading healthcare provider for El Paso and the surrounding region, with physicians, nurses and staff who are committed to delivering the highest quality patient care available.  With 316 beds, this full-service, acute care hospital offers comprehensive medical services in nearly every specialty including a certified stroke program, pediatric intensive care, award-winning maternity, cardiology and neuroscience.  Las Palmas Medical Center is also known for cutting-edge robotic surgery and the region's only kidney transplant program.  For more information, please visit LPDSHealthcare.com

Media Contacts:
Melissa M. Offutt
Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare
(915) 521-1135

SOURCE Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare