The pièce de résistance in Surgical Suite No. 7 arrived in November and promises to help NorthBay surgeons deliver the most advanced techniques for patients in the years to come.

It’s the da Vinci Surgical System, which offers surgeons an advanced set of instru­ments to use in performing robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery, via a console that translates the hand movements in real time, but with a greater range of motion. The instrument size also makes it possible for the surgeon to operate through one or two small incisions. Da Vinci surgery has been associated with quicker recovery, less post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays, and it will be used primarily for colorectal, gynecologic and urologic cases, according to Herkanwal Khaira, M.D., urologist.

“Having the da Vinci surgical robot at NorthBay will give patients in Solano County access to the most advanced minimally invasive surgical treatments available without having to travel far from home,” Dr. Khaira said. “I use the da Vinci robot in the surgical treatment of prostate cancer, kidney cancer, as well as benign disease and reconstructive urologic surgeries. It offers surgeons the ability to perform complex cancer surgeries and delicate reconstructions through a minimally invasive approach.”

The robotic laparoscopic platform has numerous advantages over traditional open and laparoscopic surgery, he added.

“It has three-dimensional digital vision, as well as laparoscopic instruments with advanced freedom and dexterity. We are fortunate to now have this technology available for the care of patients at NorthBay.”

“Having the da Vinci surgical robot at NorthBay will give patients in Solano County access to the most advanced minimally invasive surgical treatments available without having to travel far from home.”

— Dr. Khaira