Two Banner Hospitals Receive Surgical Robots

PHOENIX & Gilbert, Ariz. (Oct. 8, 2008) – Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix and Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert will each begin offering minimally invasive robotic surgery this month. 

Banner Gateway will perform its first robotic surgery on Oct.10, followed closely by Banner Estrella’s first case on Oct.15.

Banner Gateway will offer robotic surgery techniques in the areas of general surgery, gynecology, Bariatric (weight loss) and urology. Banner Estrella surgeons will offer robotic services in gynecology and urology and will expand into heart care.

Many surgical procedures performed today using standard laparoscopic technique may be performed more quickly and easily using the da Vinci Surgical System. This is because it delivers increased clinical capability while maintaining the same "look and feel" of open surgery.

Using the da Vinci 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.

By enhancing surgical capabilities, robotic surgery helps to improve clinical outcomes and redefine standards of care. Patients may experience the following benefits: reduced trauma to the body, reduced blood loss and need for transfusions, less post-operative pain and discomfort, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and return to normal daily activities, and less scarring.

About Banner Health
Banner Health is one of the largest, nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns or manages 22 acute-care hospitals, long-term care centers and an array of other services including family clinics, home care services, a nursing registry and home medical equipment services in seven states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming.  To learn more about Banner Health, go to www.bannerhealth.com

Contacts: Susan Gordon 
Banner Gateway Medical Center
480-543-2300 (office)   623-327-7168 (office)
Tiffany Tcheng 
Banner Estrella Medical Center 
602-625-3250 (cell)   602-817-7322 (media pager)  

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