World's first successful VIKY robot assisted surgery to treat pancreatic tumours performed

Washington, Mar 25 (ANI): A surgeon at Fox Chase Cancer Center has successfully performed the world's first minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy using the ViKY system's revolutionary robotic, compact laparoscope holder.

Developed in France, the technology made its debut in a cancer setting in the United States at Fox Chase.

"Fox Chase is among only a handful of institutions worldwide using robotics or laparoscopy to treat patients with nearly all types of cancer. The use of technology, like the ViKY system, reinforces our Center's commitment to excellence in minimally invasive surgical techniques for the care of patients with both benign and cancerous conditions," said Robert G. Uzzo, MD, FACS, chairman of the department of surgery at Fox Chase.

Fox Chase surgeon Andrew A. Gumbs, MD, who specializes in minimally invasive hepato-pancreatic and biliary (HPB) surgery, said: "This system is so versatile that surgeons like me are able to use it for many different laparoscopic procedures, including those in the gastrointestinal, urologic, thoracic and gynecologic regions."

Usually, in minimally invasive procedures, like a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, surgeons use both hands to manipulate the surgical tools and need an assistant to manipulate the endoscope-a thin, lighted tube equipped with a camera that allows the surgeon to view the surgical field.

Gumbs performed the first ever ViKY assisted minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy on a 65-year-old man who was diagnosed with two pancreatic cysts, one of which is potentially cancerous.

Currently, pathologists are evaluating the cyst.

Gumbs added: "The new ViKY robotic laparoscope holder acts as an extra hand during surgery, giving me stability and steadiness. The view of the surgical field is critical, so ViKY's pinpoint accuracy helps me perform more complex procedures laparoscopically."

Unlike typical laparoscope holders, the ViKY system's holder is lightweight, easy to set up and use, and takes no floor space.

"The new ViKY robotic laparoscope holder acts as an extra hand during surgery, giving me stability and steadiness," said Gumbs.

With the ViKY system, Gumbs got precise control of the laparoscope while he performed the distal pancreatectomy.

The endoscope moves according to the surgeon's orders, either through voice recognition or footswitch control.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques, like the one performed by Gumbs, benefit patients in many ways, including a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, quicker return to daily activity, less risk of infection and less scarring and bleeding. (ANI)