The da Vinci® system was acquired for the Robotic Surgery Program at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in 2018. Dr. Todd D. Francone initially established the Robotic Surgery Program at Newton-Wellesley Hospital for colorectal cases and it has expanded to six other surgical disciplines including surgical oncology, urology, gynecology, general and bariatric, and thoracic surgery.
For many patients, minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery is a better, safer option than open surgery, as studies have found that patients experience shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, fewer complications, less need for narcotic pain medicine and a faster recovery.
About the da Vinci® Xi
Key features to improve the safety and effectiveness of robotic surgery procedures includes:
- the system’s two high-definition cameras provide the surgeon with a magnified view of the surgical site, combing very accurate depth perception with a 40 percent sharper image than previous systems
- an additional arm can be used to hold a retractor or other surgical instrument, giving the surgeon more operating capability
- enhanced near-infrared imaging can be used during surgery to distinguish abnormal tissue from normal tissue and evaluate blood flow in real time
- extra mobile “wrist action,” with mechanical wrists that can hold an array of specialized surgical instruments and function like a human’s, but with an even greater range of motion
- scalability that allows the surgeon to calibrate the robot’s arm to move a fraction of an inch for every inch the surgeon’s hand moves, a feature that simplifies the most complex movements, including delicate removals as well as suturing and knot-tying
Our Team
Located in the western suburbs of Greater Boston, and led by our Robotic Program Coordinator, Robin Beard and senior physician assistant, Sara LaLiberte, PA-C, MPAS, the surgical support staff is specially trained in assisting with robotic procedures. These operating room nurses, physician assistants, and surgical technicians are present at all times during every robotic procedure we perform. Our surgical support staff has received specialized education in the set-up and operation of our surgical systems, and they work with our surgeons on a daily basis. They also receive periodic training sessions, including training on any equipment or instrument that has been newly adapted for robotic-assisted surgeries.
In addition, our team of physician assistants use their extensive medical and surgical experience to ensure efficiency and safety during procedures and throughout pre- and postoperative care. Our senior physician assistant, Sara LaLiberte, PA-C, MPAS, has been working with the Robotic Surgery Center since its establishment. She has participated in more than 4,000 robotic surgeries in various specialties and assists in teaching robotic surgery to Massachusetts General residents, Physician Assistant students and Tufts Medical School students.