Trident Health Performs 2000th Robotic Surgery
August 27, 2012
Becomes an Observation Training Site for Hospitals throughout the Southeast U.S.
N. CHARLESTON, SC – August 27, 2012 – On July 31, Trident Health’s South Carolina Institute for Robotic Surgery performed its 2,000th robotic surgery. The procedure was a radical nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney) performed by Dr. Ted Brisson, who also performed the Institute’s first case on October 23, 2008.
In less than four years, the Institute has performed 2,101 robotic procedures, more than twice as many as any other hospital or health system in the entire Charleston area. The South Carolina Institute for Robotic Surgery is located at Trident Medical Center and consists of an advanced team of 18 surgeons with specialized robotics training.
Trident Medical Center is now a case observation site for training robotic surgeons throughout the southeastern United States. The Institute has been recognized nationally as a model robotics program for surgical best practices by demonstrating an exceptionally trained robotics team, surgical efficiency and superior patient outcomes. Hospitals from around the country observe the Institute’s robotics team at Trident to learn these best practices. “It is rewarding to introduce other physicians to the excitement of robotic surgery and to have a part in their mentoring,” said Jeffrey Lafond, MD.
Dr. Lafond recently performed the Lowcountry’s first single site gallbladder surgery. Single site refers to one incision, which is the diameter of a pencil eraser, through which the surgical procedure is accomplished. Single site surgery is the most recent surgical development made possible through robotic surgery. It is currently only approved for gall bladder surgery, but approvals for other surgeries are expected in 2013. The Institute has performed several “firsts” in robotic surgery. For a full list please visit SCrobotics.com.
Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci® Surgical System combines superior 3D high definition vision, patented EndoWrist® instruments and Intuitive® motion to allow for unparalleled precision, visualization, dexterity and control. The end result: a breakthrough in surgical capabilities that is changing the experience of surgery.
About Trident Health
Trident Health is an HCA health system comprised of two acute care hospitals – Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center – as well as Moncks Corner Medical Center. The Joint Commission recently named Trident Health to their list of the nation’s top hospitals for quality and safety. In 2011, Trident Health provided almost $45 million in charity and uncompensated care and contributed $38 million in taxes. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Trident Health is committed to providing quality health services along with wellness information and opportunities to the communities it serves. For more information about Trident Health, please visit our website at www.tridenthealthsystem.com or call 843.797.7000.
