Construction on New Robotic Surgical Suite Begins at NMCP

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Construction of a new, robotic surgical suite began March 18, at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) where the dual-screen DaVinci Si robotic surgical system will be housed.

The suite is expected to be completed in October and will expand NMCP's capability to provide the latest advances in surgical interventions and training.

It offers new opportunities for NMCP's surgeons and a higher level of care for patients.

During a robotic operation, small incisions are made on each side of the patient for access by robotic arms that are controlled by the surgeons at a console. Surgical instruments and small cameras on the robotic arms are inserted through the incisions. It's a minimally invasive approach in which surgeons see inside the patient's body by watching the cameras' images on a high-definition monitor. Conventional surgery requires a larger incision and longer time for the patient's recuperation.

The surgeons can zoom in to see a magnified view of the patient's tissue, and the equipment's 3-D feature gives the surgeons depth perception of the anatomy being operated on. The DaVinci's dual-console system allows two surgeons to operate together.

Surgeries best suited for the use of robotics include complex procedures that require absolute precision. They range from treatments for kidney, bladder and prostate cancers to hysterectomies and pelvic reconstruction for organ prolapse. Pediatric procedures include resection of lung masses and diaphragm hernia repair.

"During a procedure, physicians sit at a console, view the surgical field through a three-dimensional monitor with magnification, and manipulate both hand and foot controllers that operate tiny instruments attached to robotic arms inside the patient," said Capt. Paul McAdams, Urology Department head. "The benefits to the patient include smaller incisions, less scarring, and faster recovery time."

While the primary surgeons view the surgical field through monitors at their console, the operating room staff will see the procedure on 32-inch, high-definition monitors mounted on the walls of the surgical suite. A third surgeon remains at the patient's bedside and can assist the primary surgeons by adjusting the robotic arms to ensure correct placement while making recommendations during the procedure. Other features of the system include advanced lighting and remote-controlled equipment functionality.

Since the Robotic Surgery Program began at NMCP in 2010, the DaVinci system has been used in several operating rooms. The new surgical suite locates the DaVinci in a permanent location to pair world-class surgeons with the latest in surgical advances to benefit NMCP's patients.

"This state-of-the-art operating room will be equipped with the latest technology focusing on patient safety and efficiency," said Cmdr. Kimberly Davis, interim director for Surgical Services. "By modifying the operating room footprints of Rooms One and Two, surgical teams will have the space they need to be flexible with room's configuration as well as modernization of the approach to patient care. A specially built storage room will house the consoles and robots when they are not in use."

In addition to upgrading the lighting, monitors and other support equipment to take advantage of the latest technology, the redesigned operating rooms will improve the safety of the technicians, surgeons and the patient.

"As a safety feature, fully equipped booms will emerge from the ceiling to consolidate cables, lights and other essential operative gear replacing traditional systems that coursed over the operating floor or attached to the surgical table," said Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Werschky, NMCP Facilities Department Head.

NMCP's Robotic Surgery Program began nearly three years ago. Since then, staff surgeons have completed more than 140 robotic surgeries in pediatric, urology and gynecology subspecialties.

"Surgeons operate instruments remotely from ergonomic control panels that allow precision and reduce intraoperative bleeding," Davis said. "The innovative system also includes a digital simulator that permits the surgeons-in-training to practice their robotic surgical skills in a safe, virtual environment."

While the current robotic surgery program already provides advantages to patients, the $2 million equipment upgrade and the completion of the surgical suite emphasizes the medical center's commitment to the highest standard of surgical care, ease of recovery and the best value of a patient's health care benefit.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.