3D comes to the OR
Surgical innovation is taking a big step forward as Richmond Hospital becomes home to Canada’s first two integrated 3D minimally invasive operating rooms. The new surgical suites, funded entirely by donations totaling $3.5 million, incorporate leading-edge 3D high-definition endoscopic technology and double the number of Richmond Hospital’s integrated MIS operating rooms.
Minimally invasive surgery allows surgeons to operate through tiny incisions, resulting in less tissue trauma in patients, less blood loss, faster recovery, less pain and shorter hospital stays. With the new 3D surgical suites at Richmond Hospital, surgeons will now benefit from greater visualization with advanced depth of field, something previously unavailable with older technology. The technology also assists with spatial orientation, tissue handling, accuracy of movements and improved teaching of surgical techniques.
“Thanks to donors, Richmond Hospital has entered a new era of surgical innovation where we can view procedures in high definition 3D to perform minimally invasive operations,” said Dr. Nam Nguyen, general surgeon and specialist in advanced laparoscopic surgery including laparoscopic colorectal and gastric surgery.
The new 3D surgical suites also enable surgeons to share imaging from procedures via videoconference to other physicians anywhere in the facility, in another hospital or around the world. This allows surgeons to collaborate in real time with other surgeons and provide live learning opportunities for surgical residents and medical students.
“This latest advancement at Richmond Hospital improves our ability to attract and retain the best and the brightest surgeons to improve local health care here in Richmond,” said Dr. Sharadh Sampath, Head, Department of Surgery, Richmond Hospital. “It also bolsters our status as a teaching hospital in the province to train the next generation of health care professionals using the latest, most advanced equipment in modern facilities.”
The operating room renovations and equipment purchases have been made possible by a large community of donors. “We would like to thank the many donors who have contributed to this significant surgical milestone at Richmond Hospital,” said Natalie Meixner, President and CEO, Richmond Hospital Foundation. “These investments help our medical team go from strength to strength to provide the very best care for patients in Richmond and beyond.”
For more than 25 years, Richmond Hospital Foundation has raised more than $40 million to help purchase vital medical equipment, improve patient care programs and upgrade facilities at Richmond Hospital.