Dr. Jonathan Bernie, chief of robotic surgery at Norwalk Hospital
Could you imagine what it would be like to operate a robot? The general public will have the opportunity to do just that during a demonstration of the daVinci Robotic Surgical System at the Health and Wellness Center of Norwalk Hospital at i.Park on Tuesday, September 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at Norwalk Hospital in the main lobby on Wednesday, September 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These community health education events are being offered as a public service during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Health professionals will be available to demonstrate the robot and answer questions about prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. That is why awareness of the importance of regular screening for early detection of prostate cancer is so important.
According to Jonathan E. Bernie, M.D., Chief of Robotic Surgery at Norwalk Hospital, "The daVinci Surgical System is a great benefit to our patients because it provides 3-D visualization and greater precision enabling the surgeon to perform complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach."
The DaVinci robot can be a treatment option for prostate cancer. It is also used for gynecological surgical procedures including treatment for fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic organ prolapse. The robot allows the surgeon to view anatomical structures clearly and perform a precise surgical procedure through small incisions. By using the robotic surgical system, the surgeon operates while seated comfortably at a console viewing a 3D image of the surgical field. The surgeon's fingers grasp the master controls below the display, with hands and wrists naturally positioned relative to his or her eyes. The system seamlessly translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient.
For more information about robotic surgery, please attend the events on September 7th or 8th, or call the Norwalk Hospital Community Relations Department at 203-852-2250. Later this month as part of “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,” Norwalk Hospital will be offering a free screening on Saturday, September 18, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the Whittingham Cancer Center. To register for the screening, call 203-852-2148.
