Crouse Health Surgeon Po Lam, MD First in Region to Use Single Incision Robotic Surgery with SP da Vinci Robot

Crouse Health Surgeon Po Lam, MD First in Region to Use Single Incision Robotic Surgery with SP da Vinci Robot

Crouse Health is the only hospital in Central New York to acquire the innovative da Vinci SP (Single Port) system, which provides surgeons with robotic-assisted technology designed for deep and narrow access to tissue in the body with greater precision and enhanced mobility.

According to Crouse urology surgeon Po Lam, MD – the first and only surgeon in the region to use the da Vinci SP – the technology enables single port placement and optimal internal and external range of motion (e.g., 360-degrees of anatomical access and rotation) through the single SP arm. Surgeons control the fully articulating instruments and the camera on the SP system.

The SP platform allows surgeons to get inside the body in a very delicate way to perform minimally invasive surgeries that solve problems ranging from reconstructive to cancer surgery.

Currently, the new robotic system is being used for prostatectomy procedures, says Dr. Lam, who has more than 17 years of experience using the da Vinci robotic technology. “The ability to enter the body through a single, small incision helps surgeons perform procedures in a less invasive way, helping to reduce trauma and discomfort to the patient,” according to Dr. Lam.

“This advancement in robotic surgery allows for a unique option to prostate removal in patients with previous abdominal surgery. Not only do patients not need to worry about previous scar tissue, the SP approach eliminates the risks of bowel injury.”  Other patient benefits making for an all-around improved patient experience include faster recovery, reduced risk of infection and shorter hospitalization, says Dr. Lam.

Since its inception in 2008, Crouse’s robotic surgery program has grown to become the region’s largest multispecialty robotics program, performing more than 15,000 procedures to date. With eight surgical robots and 27 surgical specialists supporting the program, specialty areas include general surgery; bariatric; colorectal; GYN oncology; gynecology; thoracic and urology.