Robotic Surgery for Complex Throat Cancer Performed at Christian Hospital

Since its introduction to Christian Hospital in early 2011, use of the da Vinci Robotic surgery system continues to increase. The da Vinci robotic surgery system, allows surgeons to operate with greater vision, precision, dexterity and control. The da Vinci robot's "hands are so small and precise, there is sometimes no need for the surgeon to make an incision; removing incisions also minimizes pain, reduces the risk of infection and speeds post-op recovery.

Daren Kest, DO
Northwest ENT
Consultants
314.953.6093

Daren Kest, DO, Northwest ENT Consultants, used the da Vinci robotic surgery system on June 19, 2012, to perform the Hospital’s first Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS), with a radical tonsillectomy that successfully treated a case of throat cancer.

An incision was not needed to perform the TORS procedure using da Vinci. Instead, Dr. Kest performed the surgery through the patient's mouth, with cancer resection performed using 5mm wristed instruments.

Just since early 2011, surgeons at Christian Hospital have completed more than 150 procedures using the da Vinci robotic surgery system, including operations for prostatectomy, hysterectomy, kidney cancer, head and neck procedures and general surgery. In 2011, the St. Louis region’s first full-lung lobectomy using the da Vinci to treat lung cancer was performed at Christian Hospital.

Among the surgical treatment options for a variety of procedures, robotic surgery is quickly becoming the gold standard.

To contact Dr. Kest, call Northwest ENT Consultants at 314.953.6093.