Hospital adds new high-definition Laparoscopy Towers to Surgery Department
by St. John’s Lutheran Hospital
June 18, 2009
The surgical team at St. John’s recently celebrated the arrival of new high-definition laparoscopy towers and equipment. "We continually strive to keep our services and equipment at the highest level possible," said Karen Edwards, RN, and Surgical Department Manager at St. John’s. "When we look to improve, we always focus on what needs to be done to make the patient’s experience better and/or safer."
According to Edwards, the patient benefits from the new equipment because the surgical team will be more precise and efficient. "Now, with high definition, all the stress from visual strain is reduced for the surgeons and first assistants. Seeing the patient’s anatomy in greater detail is an enormous benefit to the entire surgical team. We can see the surgical procedure more clearly on the screen, and better anticipate what instruments will be needed, making the entire procedure more efficient. The less time the patient is under anesthesia and in the Operating Room, the better."
Local surgeon, Dr. Lance Ercanbrack has been performing laparoscopic surgeries at St. John’s for many years. "Laparoscopic surgery minimizes the trauma to the body caused by traditional open surgery," commented Dr. Ercanbrack. "Smaller incisions have resulted in fewer postoperative problems. Laparoscopy has proven to result in less pain, dramatically reducing the need for strong pain medications and the drowsiness, fatigue, and unsteadiness that accompany these medications."
In a personal note of appreciation to the hospital Trustees for the purchase of the equipment, Dr. Ercanbrack noted, "The new towers and high definition screens allow me to visualize anatomy much better during my laparoscopic procedures, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, and colonoscopies. In fact, I am already finding more abnormalities on colonoscopies with the new high-definition equipment."
The new equipment will improve all areas of the surgical specialties at St. John’s including Orthopedics, Urology, Gynecology, and General Surgery.
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