Maj. (Dr.) William Scott, 99th Surgical Operations Squadron general surgeon, performs surgery using the da Vinci Surgery System at the Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 3, 2019. The console provides the surgeon with a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical site as the tower sits over the patient and performs the operation.
The 99th Surgical Operations Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., performed their first robotic general surgery using the da Vinci Surgery System, April 3, at the Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center.
The da Vinci is a robotic surgery system that enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with heightened precision and accuracy.
“The da Vinci has given us the next step in minimally invasive surgery,” said Maj. (Dr.) William Scott, 99th MSGS general surgeon. “These surgeries are done through several small incisions using cameras and significantly smaller surgical instruments.”
The system is comprised of a tower and console, designed to expand the surgeon’s capabilities and promote efficiency. The surgeon sits at the console and uses controls to operate the robotic arms on the tower. The console provides the surgeon with a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical site as the tower sits over the patient and performs the operation.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Bailee A. DarbasieThe da Vinci Surgery System awaits its first surgery at the Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 3, 2019. The MOMMC hopes to integrate the da Vinci into many more surgeries.
By minimizing incisions, surgeons can reduce the amount of trauma to the body, leading to less pain, shorter recovery times and fewer complications for the patients, said Scott.
The training and overall knowledge gained through robotic surgeries will provide the hospital staff with the experience needed to become a more proficient force, said Scott.
“Introducing new techniques allows us to have a vast scope of capabilities and confidence,” said Scott. “Our goal is to conduct three robotic surgeries per day. We’re currently focused on training our surgical teams so that we can integrate the system into other procedures outside of general surgery.”
For more information on the da Vinci Surgery System, call the General Surgery Clinic at 702-653-3050.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Bryan GuthrieMaj. (Dr.) William Scott, 99th Surgical Operations Squadron general surgeon, points to a screen to show a trainee how the da Vinci Surgery System works while performing surgery at the Mike O’ Callaghan Medical Center on Nellis Air Force Base, April 3, 2019. The da Vinci was used to perform the surgery, allowing the patient a faster recovery time.
Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class Bailee A. DarbasieMajs. (Drs.) Megan Bing, Rachel Nemcic and William Scott, 99th Surgical Operations Squadron surgeons, stand next to the da Vinci Surgery System at the Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 3, 2019. Scott said the da Vinci is beneficial for surgeon satisfaction and the overall readiness of the 99th Medical Group.
