da Vinci Surgery Now Offered at Benefit Health System

Cedar Rapids, IA - Benefit Health System, the leading provider of healthcare services in Cedar Rapids, IA, is proud to introduce the state-of-the-art da Vinci Surgical System at both the Benefit Hospital East and Benefit Hospital West locations. Robotic surgery will be an alternative for many Eastern Iowa Patients. The da Vinci Surgical System allows surgeons to offer a minimally invasive option for both basic and complex surgical procedures, including urologic, gynecologic, colo-rectal and general surgery procedures

The da Vinci system utilizes robotic arms to perform procedures through the smallest of incisions. Surgeons have found that the da Vinci robot increases precision, dexterity and control creating clinical outcomes with less pain for the patient, a faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay.

“This tool is fast becoming the best option for many patients,” said Dr. Richard Smith, Director of the General Surgery Department at Benefit Hospital West. “It is a real step forward for our patients, and that’s why I chose to stay with Benefit as long as I have, they really care about the patient experience.”

Gerald Wolf, MD with Benefit Medical Group is excited to use the da Vinci system to perform robotic prostatectomies, as well as radical or partial nephrectomies at the Marion location.

“The minimally invasive approach with the da Vinci system is ideal for the delicate urological surgical procedures,” he said.

Gynecologic procedures are also improved with the da Vinci robot. Cedar Rapids gynecologist Linda Oroso, MD has performed seventeen hysterectomies already using this new technology and she couldn’t be happier with it.

“Robotic assistance has revolutionized these types of procedures,” said Oroso. “Even the most difficult hysterectomies and uterine cancer surgeries are simplified using robotic technology. I love the improved precision and view the robot offers. My patients are usually able to go home from the hospital the next morning and report much less pain during the recovery period. They are also able to return to work in as little as two weeks, which is can be extremely important to some people. It used to be that they would spend three days in the hospital and be out of work for six to eight weeks. This is good news for everyone.”