The future is bright—and robotic—at San Joaquin General Hospital.
Just four months ago, the surgical center teamed with the minimally-invasive da Vinci Xi Surgical System, which offers a 3-D degree view, 10 times magnification, four arms that help with precise movement, and multiple tools that allow for many options. “It’s one of the most advanced technologies, where two surgeons including a trainee can operate together,” explains Dr. Vyas, chairman of the hospital’s general surgery residency program.
From stomach and lung cancer surgeries to bypass, adrenal, hernia, prostate, and gynecological surgeries, the surgical system boasts less stress, a smaller incision, quicker healing time, and a lower mortality rate. With the ability to access the stomach and intestine without major cutting, the da Vinci Xi Surgical System allows surgeons to fix major complex cancer. As Dr. Vyas explains, major cutting can sometimes cause serious problems, as the incision takes time to heal, resulting in a longer hospital stay, and can require pain medications.
“Instead of having to stay for 10 days, patients can be out the next day, so the hospital can serve many more patients,” Dr. Vyas states. “It’s economical for the county, community, and the hospital as it can serve more people with the same capacity.”
Perfect for aging or frail patients, robotic options mean life for those who can’t tolerate major surgery. “An 86 year old patient was not even considering her needed stomach cancer surgery because she didn’t believe she’d make it out of the hospital,” Dr. Vyas says. “But with the robotics option, she had the surgery and returned to my office stating it was the most amazing experience.”
Alongside its services, SJGH boasts the strongest surgical education program in the nation, with cutting edge equipment, research, science, and technology at the forefront. Dr. Vyas notes that, “surgeons are provided with exceptional research and innovation experience, and in the last 6 months 3 PhD and additional health law and health economics personal. A team of this magnitude is unheard of in many large universities.”
The hospital also participates in “Million Life Fighters”, a program designed to properly train a million surgeons and first responders in the next five years. “There is a huge unmet trauma care need around the world and in rural America,” Dr. Vyas reports. “So we are running one of the biggest pre surgical care training initiatives in the world.” To date, Dr. Vyas has trained 20,000.
With hopes to make San Joaquin County the next big medical health hub, SJGH and Dr. Vyas work to bring technology and innovation from the Bay Area to here at home. “Our new research is calling for partnership!” Dr. Vyas says.
San Joaquin General Hospital
500 W. Hospital Rd., French Camp
(209) 468-6000
SJGeneral.org