ORLive Presents: Revolutionary Robotic Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

Live Webcast: From Allina Hospitals & Clinic: August 26, 2008 3:00 PM CDT (20:00 UTC)

ST PAUL, MN–(EMWNews – August 14, 2008) – Allina Hospitals & Clinic patients have another

option to consider when faced with the need for surgery. Surgeons at

United Hospital are using a new robotic system called the da Vinci S®

Surgical System to perform a variety of procedures including EMWNews“>prostate

surgery, EMWNews“>hysterectomies and EMWNews“>myomectomies

(removal of uterine fibroids).

With the da Vinci S® device, the surgeon is actually seated a few feet

away from the patient at a console. The console controls robotic arms

holding a tiny camera and special surgical tools. These instruments

operate through several small incisions. The camera sends images back to

the surgeon who sees them on a 3D monitor. The surgeon makes decisions

based on what is shown and sends surgical directions back through the

device to be carried out.

According to the National Institutes of Health, at least 25 percent of

women have uterine fibroids, the most frequent pelvic tumors seen by

gynecologists. They can be treated through medication, hormone therapy or

surgery. The da Vinci is the most advanced surgical technique for the

treatment of uterine fibroids. Using this

approach, many women can avoid more invasive surgery and return home sooner

after their surgery.

“For many patients, a robotic myomectomy is the way to

go when choosing a surgical approach for the removal of fibroid

tumors,” said Ragnvald Mjanger, MD. “This robot is technically an

extension of my hands.

“I can physically take out a large tumor with very little damage to the

tissue surrounding the tumor. Patients get outstanding surgical results

with minimally invasive techniques thanks to the da Vinci S®.”

“We’re excited about using robotic technology to treat cases like uterine

fibroids,” said Dan Foley, MD, vice president, Medical Affairs, United

Hospital. “It’s important to provide the best options available when caring

for patients. This robotic option allows our patients to resume normal

activities within one to two days.”

Benefits of robotic surgery include:

--  Increased surgical precision

--  Reduced trauma

--  Reduced blood loss

--  Less post-operative pain

--  Shorter hospital stay

--  Faster recovery and return to activities

--  Less scarring

    

About 65,000 women undergo myomectomies each year in the

United States; many of these women are of childbearing age. The reduced

trauma and increased surgical precision are “very important for women who

want the ability to have children in the future,” says Magnusson.

United Hospital, the largest hospital in the Twin Cities east metro area,

is a not-for-profit hospital providing a full range of health care services

to more than 200,000 people each year. United offers a wide range of health

services including a birth center, cardiac care in the Nasseff Heart

Center, emergency care, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences and epilepsy,

a pain center, rehabilitation, medical imaging and surgery.

United Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit

system of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care

throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11

hospitals, 65 clinics, home care and hospice services, oxygen and

equipment, pharmacies, and emergency medical transportation services.

Allina Hospitals & Clinics and the latest health information can be found

online at www.allina.com.

da Vinci® is a registered trademark of Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG)

View a program preview and learn more by visiting EMWNews“>OR-Live

VNR: www.OR-Live.com