Dresden (dpa/sn) - A state-of-the-art robot is now being used in operations at the Dresden City Clinic. The device, called "da Vinci", has four arms and enables doctors to operate gently in places that require the highest precision, the clinic in Dresden announced on Wednesday. Cancer patients with tumors in their internal organs in particular should benefit from the robot.
Due to its high degree of mobility, complex procedures can be carried out in a way that is gentle on the patient, even in the smallest of spaces. However, "da Vinci" does not perform any independent movements. Instead, the robot transmits the surgeon's finger and hand movements with particular precision and without shaking. The doctor controls the robot via a console. A camera arm provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images. Precise cuts are said to result in less blood loss and complications. This can shorten wound healing after an operation.
Doctors in the clinics for urology, gynaecology, general and thoracic surgery in particular are to use the "da Vinci system" in the future. "We have proven expertise in the field of minimally invasive surgery," emphasized the chief physician of gynecology, Markus Grebe. The surgical robot proves to be particularly helpful for complicated procedures such as the removal of lymph nodes behind the peritoneum.
"With this significant innovation, the Dresden Municipal Clinic has taken a big step towards a future-proof care structure from which the patients in our city will benefit directly," said Kristin Kaufmann (Left), Dresden's Social Mayor.
