85-Year-Old Woman Undergoes 'Minimally Invasive Within Minimally Invasive' Stomach Cancer Surgery

A groundbreaking surgical technique has offered a new lease on life for an 85-year-old woman battling stomach cancer. Doctors at Chi Mei Medical Center in Tainan successfully removed her tumor using the latest single-port robotic surgical system, a procedure described as "minimally invasive within minimally invasive."

The patient, identified as Ms. Huang, had a history of high blood pressure and experienced progressive abdominal discomfort and loss of appetite. Examinations revealed a tumor in her stomach, later confirmed as cancer. Given her advanced age, traditional surgery posed significant risks, including severe pain and a prolonged recovery period.

Instead, the medical team opted for the new da Vinci SP surgical system. This advanced technology allows surgeons to perform complex procedures, including subtotal gastrectomy, lymph node dissection, and gastrointestinal reconstruction, through a single 2.5 cm incision made via the navel. The system integrates three flexible robotic arms and a high-definition 3D endoscope, enabling precise manipulation and dissection in confined spaces with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

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Compared to the past da Vinci robotic system minimally invasive surgery that required 3 to 4 incisions in the abdomen, the da Vinci SP system only needs one incision of about 2.5 cm to complete complex surgical operations.

Chi Mei Medical Center recently introduced the da Vinci SP system, becoming the first in the Tainan region to offer this advanced option. In the two weeks since its implementation, the system has been used for various complex surgeries, including stomach cancer removal, liver tumor resection, gallbladder removal, and abdominal wall hernia repair. This innovation provides local residents with access to state-of-the-art surgical care, promising reduced pain, less bleeding, lower infection risk, shorter hospital stays, and improved cosmetic outcomes.

The hospital has a decade-long history with robotic surgery, having first introduced the da Vinci SI system in 2012 and later upgrading to the da Vinci XI system. The introduction of the single-port system represents a significant advancement, enhancing both the surgical procedure and the patient's overall treatment experience.

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From multiple ports to a single port, it's not just the surgical method that changes, but the patient's treatment experience.