11/05/2024
An advanced robotic-assisted surgery system helps people recover faster with less pain after undergoing surgery for colorectal, gynecological, head/neck and lung conditions, hernias, weight loss and more.
Danbury Hospital has enhanced its surgical capabilities by introducing the Da Vinci 5 robotic-assisted system, allowing surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with greater precision. This advancement helps people recover faster, experience less pain and return to normal activities sooner.
Danbury Hospital surgeons will use the new robotic-assisted system for a variety of procedures, such as:
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Colorectal surgery, including colon cancer, rectal cancer and colostomy
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General surgery, including hernia repairs and bariatric surgery for weight loss
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Gynecological surgery, including myomectomy and hysterectomy for benign (not cancer) and cancer
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Head and neck surgery, including throat procedures
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Thoracic surgery, including lung cancer procedures
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Urologic surgery for bladder, kidney and prostate cancer
By operating through small incisions, robotic-assisted surgery reduces trauma to the body, resulting in shorter recovery times and hospital stays.
“This new robotic-assisted surgery system is a great benefit for our patients,” said Dr. Daniel Labow, system chair of surgical services for Nuvance Health and chair of surgery at Danbury Hospital and its New Milford Hospital campus. “With smaller incisions and more precise movements, we can perform complex surgeries while helping patients heal faster and with less discomfort. The goal is to make surgery easier on the body, so patients spend less time recovering and more time living their lives.”
Dr. Marc Casasanta, a colorectal surgeon, performed the first procedure at Danbury Hospital using the new system on Oct. 2, 2024.
“The ability to operate with this level of accuracy means even better patient outcomes than we were already achieving,” Dr. Casasanta said. “For colorectal surgeries, for example, we can minimize pain and shorten recovery time, which makes a real difference in the quality of life for our patients.”
Karen Sullivan, 44, the first patient to have surgery with the robotic-assisted system, shared her experience:
“I was excited to be the first patient to have surgery with the new robotic system,” said Sullivan, who for years had struggled with endometriosis that spread to her colon. “Before the surgery, it felt like something was crushing my colon. Sometimes the pain and pressure were so intense I had to hold my breath just to get through it.”
“After the surgery, I was able to go home from the hospital within a few days. While I had some soreness around the incisions, I had no pain in my colon anymore. Within two weeks, I felt comfortable walking my dog and returning to things around the house. I’m usually very active, so it’s a huge relief to get back to my normal routine with my son and work,” Sullivan said.
In addition to expanding these advanced surgical options for the Greater Danbury community, New Milford Hospital will soon offer robotic surgery, allowing more patients in the area to receive minimally invasive procedures closer to home. Now, more individuals can stay in their community for general surgery needs, including minimally invasive procedures for hernias.
Danbury Hospital has consistently achieved Robotic Center of Excellence accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) for delivering safe, quality care.
Learn more about surgical services at Nuvance Health.