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TRMC da Vinci GYN surgeons
Standing, left to right: Dr. Sandra Brickman, Dr. Drew Howard, Dr. Nathan Mordel and Dr. Kaylar Howard. Seated: Dr. Bridgett Asbury.
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Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) now offers the da Vinci robotic surgery system for advanced gynecological procedures. Five OB/GYN surgeons are providing this service at TRMC for patients seeking less-invasive surgical relief from gynecological conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, vaginal prolapse or excessive menstrual bleeding.
Tonia Garrett, RN, the director of the TRMC Surgery Center, said the Tift County Hospital Authority approved the purchase of the da Vinci system so women in South Central Georgia didn’t have to drive far away for this sophisticated, minimally-invasive care. “The da Vinci system takes laparoscopic surgery to whole new level,” said Garrett. “We are proud to offer this innovative program here at the TRMC Surgery Center.”
The da Vinci system is a sophisticated robotic platform designed to expand the surgeon’s capabilities. Seated comfortably at the da Vinci console, surgeons are able to become steadier with hand movements through the use of precision instruments attached to robotic arms. Advantages for surgeons include improved ergonomics, 3D visualization and enhanced accuracy; for patients, the advantages are smaller incisions, less discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities.
“The da Vinci system cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own,” said Garrett. “It requires that every surgical maneuver be performed with direct input from the surgeon.”
Garrett said traditional open gynecologic surgery, which involves using a large incision for access to the uterus and surrounding anatomy, has for many years been the standard approach to many gynecologic procedures. But, open surgery can also result in significant pain, trauma, a long recovery process and threat to surrounding organs and nerves.
“Fortunately, less invasive options are available,” said Garrett. “For complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures, robot-assisted da Vinci surgery may be the most effective, least-invasive treatment option.”
Garrett said through tiny, one-to-two centimeter incisions, the da Vinci surgeons can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and enhanced clinical outcomes.
TRMC da Vinci surgeons include:
The Howard Center for Women’s Health
Drew Howard, M.D.
Kaylar Howard, M.D.
229-391-3500
Tifton Woman’s Center
Bridgett Asbury, M.D.
Sandra Brickman, M.D.
Nathan Mordel, M.D.
229-386-1528
For more information on da Vinci robotic surgery for women, please click here.
Please note: surgeons are independent contractors and not employees of Tift Regional Medical Center.
