Fort Sanders Regional’s extensive surgical capabilities are transforming the surgery experience for patients in East Tennessee. From the area’s first robotically-assisted surgery system, image-guided brain and spinal cord procedures, to ultrasound technology for treating irregular heartbeats, Fort Sanders Regional provides patients more options and the best surgical technology available. We also offer more traditional surgical options including advanced laparoscopy, and day surgery procedures.
Robotically-Assisted Surgery
Fort Sanders introduced the da Vinci Robotics system to East Tennessee in December 2004. Since that time, we have performed more than 350 prostatectomies, the first robotically-assisted lung removal surgery in the state, one of the first GYN procedures in our area and, most recently, the first cardiac single valve replacement in our region. Robotics technology gives surgeons greater precision and control than ever before possible. The surgeon’s hand and finger movements are performed on a computer console that is directly linked to robotic instrument “fingers” positioned inside the patient through tiny incisions. The small incisions mean less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery for patients. For cardiac patients, the use of the robotics system can prevent the need to crack open the patient’s chest bone, again reducing recovery times and complications.
StealthStation Treon Plus®
Another state-of-the-art technology, StealthStation Treon helps guide Fort Sanders neurosurgeons through a variety of operations, including neurological and spinal procedures. This innovative 3D imaging system uses global positioning technology to give physicians real time views inside the body, without radiation. With image-guided information, a surgeon can create a precise, detailed map of the surgical area and pinpoint the exact position needed for surgical instruments. The Stealth Treon® system allows less invasive operations and helps avoid brain and nerve damage.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery has become the procedure of choice for many patients and surgeons in our area because if offers less scarring, less pain, and a more rapid recovery.
A laparoscope is a narrow, tube-like instrument with a camera and light on the tip. The camera is connected to a television screen, giving surgeons a magnified view of the treatment area. The laparoscope is designed to allow physicians to see tissue and organs inside the abdominal cavity without fully opening it with a surgical incision. For most laparoscopic surgeries, the scope is inserted either through the abdominal wall or belly button. Long surgical instruments are inserted through the scope to repair medical problems.
Laparoscopy can be used for several different types of procedures, including removal of the gallbladder, appendix, adrenal gland, and several types of hernias (hiatal, incisional, inguinal, etc.). Advanced laparoscopic procedures include liver biopsies, splenectomies (removal of the spleen) and bowel resections.
Laparoscopy can also provide a long-term solution to patients suffering from gastro-esophogeal reflux, or chronic heartburn. Fundoplication is a laparoscopic procedure that tightens the muscle at the juncture between the stomach and esophagus, to prevent stomach acids from traveling upward and irritating the esophageal lining.
Most laparoscopic surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, with patients in the hospital less than 24 hours. Recovery time is greatly minimized with most patients returning to work in just three to five days.