San Jose, CA — Fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon, Thomas Hirai, MD from Advanced Surgical Associates performed the first da Vinci Robot assisted sleeve gastrectomy in San Jose at Regional Medical Center of San Jose.
The procedure marked the first time the da Vinci Robot has been used in San Jose to perform one of the most popular types of weight-loss surgery.
"Robotic-assisted laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive technique where a camera and small instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to remove a large percentage of the stomach," says Dr. Hirai. "This technique allows surgeons to operate with greater dexterity, vision and control than with traditional surgical approaches and with less surgeon fatigue."
Robotic bariatric surgery is a less invasive approach than traditional bariatric surgery – it reduces the risk of infection, quickens the recovery process and provides for an easier post-operative experience.
Weight-loss surgery is associated with countless benefits. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that 10 to 15 years after having weight-loss surgery, obese patients were less likely to develop — and more likely to recover from — diabetes and other heart disease risk factors.
"Robot-assisted minimally invasive bariatric surgery continues to advance and improve patient safety and outcomes," says Mike T. Johnson, Regional's President and CEO. "It is an exciting option for those looking to take the next step in permanent weight loss. Regional plans to expand the robot-assisted bariatric program to serve the needs of the community."
About Regional Medical Center of San Jose
Regional Medical Center of San Jose is a Level II Trauma Center staffed by in-house specialists 24/7/365. The hospital provides a host of technologically-advanced services including Cardiovascular, Neuro, Orthopedic and General Surgery, Interventional Pulmonology, along with multi-organ Cancer Care, and services for Women and Children. Regional holds Joint Commission advanced certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and a Get with the Guidelines- Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. It is a certified Chest Pain Center, Certified Atrial Fibrillation Program, county-designated STEMI (heart attack) receiving center, and an ACoS accredited Community Cancer Center. Regional is a recipient of Healthgrades 2015 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence. It is recognized by the Joint Commission as a 2011, 2012, 2013 Top Performing Hospital on Key Quality Measures™. The hospital has also been recognized by U.S. News and World Report and Healthgrades as a top performing hospital, and is home to the San Jose Institute for Robotic Surgery. For more information, visit: www.regionalmedicalsanjose.com.