Minimally Invasive Surgery Improves Patients’ Outcomes & Quality of Life

Advances in medical technology have given patients many new options for treating conditions and illnesses. One such example is the use of minimally invasive procedures, which are performed through tiny incisions, using either laparoscopic or robotics systems. Minimally invasive surgeries, particularly those using robotics surgical systems, have enabled surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures with precision and accuracy. In some cases, the use of the robotics surgical system has allowed surgeons to perform procedures that weren’t previously possible through other techniques.

Although it is called a robot, the da Vinci Xi cannot operate or act on its own—robotic surgery is performed entirely by specially trained surgeons. The surgeon is 100 percent in control of the robot at all times. With the da Vinci Xi robotics system, a surgeon operates through a few small incisions. Using a high-definition vision system, which offers a 3D view of the surgical area, the surgeon sits at a console and moves tiny wristed instruments that can bend and rotate far greater than the human hand. Essentially, the robotic system offers surgeons another set of “hands” to perform complicated surgeries.

Because the incisions are small, patients tend to have quicker recovery times and less pain and discomfort than with traditional surgery.

At Waterbury Hospital, the use of the da Vinci® Xi Robotic Surgical System to perform complex surgeries is having a tremendous impact on patients’ lives. Over the last two years, board-certified colorectal surgeon Dr. John Zhang has performed robotic surgeries with the hospital’s robot, named WINDSOR (Waterbury Intuitive da Vinci Surgical Operative Robot), which have had a profound impact on the lives of patients. These patients are sharing the stories of how surgery, using WINDSOR, has changed the quality of life for them and their families.

For more than 10 years after being diagnosed with and treated for ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, Nicole Mannetti, a young mother of two felt that she was missing out on so much of life. After surgery with WINDSOR and Dr. Zhang, she noted that recovery was easier than expected and that she was able to return to work and go back to a normal lifestyle within four weeks. “I’ve never enjoyed my life more than I have since this surgery,” she said. “I no longer miss any of my kids’ activities and I now value being able to do all the little things I felt I always missed out on.”

Becky Rutrough, personal assistant to former NFL coach Mike Ditka, had difficulty eating and drinking for months and was in constant pain. After many unsuccessful attempts to diagnose and treat her symptoms, a team of physicians identified that Becky was suffering from a rare condition called superior mesenteric artery (MSA) syndrome, a gastro-vascular disorder. Within eight weeks she was eating, drinking and feeling like new. Becky has a few tiny incision scars but if she had conventional surgery, the scar would have extended from her esophagus to her belly button. “I am so blessed and grateful to have my health back,” said Becky.

Most recently, Kara Major, a patient who was in pain as a result of endometriosis underwent minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci robot. Dr. Zhang removed her uterus, appendix, and a foot of her colon—and she went home the next day, with less pain than she had before the surgery. After one week of the surgery, she said, “it was a long six months of pain until I decided to move forward with this procedure, and my life already is feeling different after it.” In fact, Kara said, “Dr. Zhang, in partnership with gynecologist Dr. John Kaczmarek, gave me my life back.”

All three women agree—and want the community to know—that advanced medical care options exist right here in our community. “I want women to know that they don’t have to suffer the pain of endometriosis because they don’t have the time for a long recovery period,” said Kara. “There are options like robotic surgery that offer a shorter recovery time, less pain, and getting back to life sooner.”