Swedish Medical Center is First in State to Perform Cutting-Edge Robotic Liver Procedure
Liver cancer patients in Colorado now have a highly specialized alternative when it comes to surgery. The Center for Diseases of Liver and Pancreas at Swedish Medical Center is the first in Colorado to offer patients the option of robotic liver resections.
“I feel as though this is a natural next step in the commitment as demonstrated by our Center for Diseases of the Liver and Pancreas,” says surgeon Eric Kortz, M.D. “We have a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of benign and malignant disorders of the liver and this stands as a great example of bringing new technology in the appropriate timing and circumstance for the benefit of the patient while maintaining adherence to best treatment guidelines and outcomes.”
Kortz is currently the only surgeon in the state that uses the Da Vinci surgical robot to perform this procedure.
Liver resections remove part of the liver containing cancer. With the robot, the operating surgeon has complete control during surgery offering safety for the dissection through tissues.
“Robotics offers an extension of the minimally invasive approach for liver resection to more of our patients than our standard laparoscopic procedures due to increased operative maneuverability and increased safety,” explains Kortz.
The procedure also offers patients significant advantages to postoperative pain and speed of recovery.
“The benefits of minimally invasive procedures reduce overall physiological stress on the patient during operation and recovery,” says Kortz. “I certainly feel that the future of liver resection will involve robotic decision making.” #
