da Vinci Xi Surgical System

Some believe a surgeon is only as good as his or her skill; however, highly experienced surgeons such as Dr. Kathleen Steepy have gotten even better since the implementation of the fourth generation da Vinci Xi Surgical System at The Villages Regional Hospital.

In May, Central Florida Health Alliance became the fi rst hospital system in the region and the fourth in the nation to install the new da Vinci Xi Surgical System.

Though most of the users of this robotic-assisted surgery system have historically been urology groups, Dr. Steepy, who has worked at TVRH for 12 years, has successfully used this latest technology to carry out a number of gynecologic procedures.

“Anything that can be done laparoscopically can be done using this system,” she says. “Since receiving my training, I have performed hysterectomies and removed ovarian masses. There is certainly a home for it in performing gynecologic surgery.”

When it comes to advantages, this state-ofthe-art system has many. It provides surgeons with real-time 3D, high-defi nition video and thin robotic arms that accomplish a greater range of motion than the human wrist. This creates a more natural extension of the surgeon’s eyes and hands, and as a result, reduces the size of incisions and decreases the amount of tissue damage.

“The technology results in less blood loss, minimized scarring, less pain and quicker recovery times. So far, I’ve had good results with the new da Vinci Xi system and I have seen some good recoveries,” says Dr. Steepy. “I’m excited to have this minimally invasive surgery option at my disposal. As a physician, I try to keep up with the latest technology, and this certainly is on the cutting edge.” vasive surgery at