When Cheryl Moore is asked how she's doing after having undergone surgery earlier this year, instead of telling people, she shows them.

"Want to see my scars?" she asks, then proudly points at two barely noticeable spots on her stomach that look more like birthmarks.

Moore did not have the traditional method for the surgical procedure, which is usually performed using large incisions. Instead, her surgery was performed using the robotic da Vinci Surgical System.

"I had heard of the surgical technique before, but had no idea I would be a candidate for it," said Moore, whose surgery was performed at Rush Foundation Hospital.

Rush installed the system in November 2008, making it the first hospital in East Central Mississippi to offer robotic minimally-invasive surgery.

Using the da Vinci Surgical System, the surgeon operates while seated comfortably at a console viewing a 3D image of the surgical field. The surgeon's fingers grasp the master controls below the display, with hands and wrists naturally positioned relative to his or her eyes. The system seamlessly translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finer movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient.

Many surgical procedures performed today using standard laparoscopic techniques may be performed more quickly and easily using the da Vinci Surgical System. And, the surgical system enables surgeons to perform procedures through incisions that are as small as 1 to 2 centimeters.

"It delivers increased clinical capability while maintaining the same 'look and feel' of open surgery," said Laura Davis, marketing director for Rush Foundation Hospital.

Only a select group of highly skilled surgeons routinely attempt complex procedures using a minimally invasive approach. The da Vinci Surgical System allows more surgeons to perform complex procedures using a minimally invasive approach – routinely and with confidence.

"A number of procedures that could not be performed using traditional minimally-invasive surgical technologies can now be performed using the da Vinci Surgical System," Davis said.

Dr. Ray E. Myatt, an obstetrician at Rush who has performed the surgical procedure for seven months, praises the technique.

"It has really been great for our patients as far as recovery time, which is really short," said Myatt. "As a result, they are able to get back to their normal activities sooner."

After her hysterectomy, Moore said she had to remind herself that she had just had surgery.

"The next morning, I got up, was walking, got dressed and was ready to go home," she said.

Recovery time for a traditional hysterectomy procedure is about six weeks. Moore returned to work after two weeks.

"I didn't feel bad, but I took the time off because Dr. Myatt advised it," she said.

Moore even attributes the robotic surgical technique to helping her lose weight.

"Before my surgery, I was sluggish and tired all the time. But after my surgery, my recovery was so quick that I had more energy and was able to be active much sooner – and I've lost 15 pounds," she said.

Since introducing the pioneer surgical technique, surgeons at Rush Foundation Hospital have performed 120 minimally-invasive procedures.

"Rush is currently using the robotic surgical technique for prostatectomy procedures in men, and laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures in women," Davis said. "We're looking to expand the type of procedures in the near future."

On Thursday, Rush will host a preview of the da Vinci Robot – which was named "Oscar" through an employee contest – at MSU Riley Center. Two physician-led seminars will be presented by Dr. James J. Purdy, who specializes in obstetrics, and Dr. Kevin Ward, who specializes in prostatectomy procedures.

"We want to encourage the public to especially attend these sessions so they will have more knowledge about the robotic surgery," Davis said.



See it Thursday:



What: Preview of Rush Hospital's da Vinci Surgical System

When: Thursday, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Where: MSU Riley Center

Other information: Physician-led seminars at 7 p.m. Register by calling (601) 703-9644

Admission: Free