LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (November 10, 2014) – Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock is the only hospital in the state to acquire the world's only articulating, high-definition, 3D surgical video system from Olympus. Surgical video systems, through the collaborative use of a video processor, light source, laparoscope and monitor, enable surgeons to peer inside the human body to diagnose, detect and treat a range of diseases and conditions using a minimally invasive approach.
Laparoscopy is performed through small incisions made in the abdomen or pelvis. A videoscope (laparoscope with a miniature camera built into its tip) allows the surgeon to view the surgery site during an operation.
Laparoscopy has become increasingly common in hospitals with about 2.8 million procedures (laparoscopic, single site and robotic-assisted surgeries) performed in the United States in 2013. Compared to open surgery, a laparoscopic approach offers reduced pain, less hemorrhaging, shorter recovery times and better cosmetic results all due to the smaller incision sites.
However, surgeons lose some of the natural depth perception and precision when migrating from open surgery to laparoscopic surgery. The 3D videoscope provides three-dimensional, high-definition images that help restore the surgeon's natural 3D vision and depth perception. Its articulating-tip design makes it possible to view the desired organs and see areas not previously accessible with standard rigid laparoscopes. The result for the surgeon is better sight lines and the ability to peer around anatomical structures and perform more precise grasping, dissection and suturing -- something that is lacking in the flat images provided by 2D imaging systems.
"The surgical precision I'm able to achieve with the new 3D system is exceptional," said Dr. Mark Gibbs, a general surgeon with Baptist Health. "It helps me to obtain the critical views I need with a depth perception that is not possible with traditional 2D systems."
This new 3D system will enable Baptist Health surgeons to perform laparoscopic surgery on a universal platform that supports more than 100 different rigid, flexible and articulating endoscopes used in a broad range of specialties.
"The acquisition of the Olympus EVIS EXERA III system at Baptist Health will help us achieve our goals to improve the efficiency of our operation, enhance our diagnostic capabilities and foremost deliver world-class care to our patients," said Greg Crain, vice-president and administrator of Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock. "With this advanced technology, we may be able to provide our patients with more accurate diagnoses, shorten their operation times and improve their overall procedural experience. The Baptist Health Foundation's Capital Campaign provided the funds to purchase the 3D technology."
The general benefits of 3D Endoscopy are as follows:
- Precise hand-eye coordination through the three-dimensional image of the operating-room environment
- Realistic presentation of tissue structures in their actual spatial position
- The shorter learning curve facilitates a safe learning curve for more complex interventions
- More precise operation and therefore more comfort for patients
- Time-saving because precise operation (e.g. when positioning a suture) enhances efficiency
