As a certified training site, NWH will host visiting surgeons from across the United States each month to observe and learn advanced procedures from Jerald D. Wishner, MD, FACS, FASCRS, co-director of the Institute for Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery and Medical Director of the Colorectal Surgery Program.
Dr. Wishner is the first surgeon in the region to utilize advanced robotic technology for patients requiring colon resection for both benign and malignant disease. He is also the first to provide single incision robotic surgery for patients requiring gallbladder removal allowing the entire surgical procedure to be performed through a one-inch incision hidden in the belly button, resulting in virtually scarless surgery.
“Patients at Northern Westchester Hospital are receiving leading edge surgical care through our multispecialty robotics program. Now, as a designated training facility, we are able to share this surgical expertise and best practices with other hospitals nationally,” Dr. Wishner said in a statement. “Many patients undergoing da Vinci robot-assisted surgery can benefit from reduced pain and trauma to the body, smaller scars, less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, and in many cases a faster recovery.”
Surgeons at Northern Westchester Hospital perform the highest volume of robotic surgeries in the region utilizing two da Vinci robotic surgical systems. The hospital’s multi-specialty robotics program includes expertise in colorectal, urology, gynecology, oncology, and general surgical procedures. NWH surgeons are utilizing the da Vinci Si robot with 3D high-definition imaging technology, which is the most advanced minimally invasive robotic surgical system available.
Robot assisted surgery requires a great deal of training. In addition to learning by observing surgical cases at Northern Westchester Hospital, surgeons are able to utilize a training simulator to master various robotic surgery techniques.
This system works similarly to a flight simulator that pilots use when training to fly jet airplanes. The device simulates a surgical environment, enabling surgeons to gain greater familiarity with instrumentation and perfect the skills necessary to meet the stringent requirements for performing robot-assisted surgery.