Combined with advanced robotics, the new imaging technology helps surgeons to selectively remove tumor and leave normal tissue intact

Tampa, FL (Nov. 12, 2012) — Earlier this month at Tampa General Hospital, USF Health colorectal surgeon Jorge Marcet, MD,  performed a first-of-its-kind surgery  for colon and rectal surgery in West Central Florida,  using the da Vinci Robot outfitted with Firefly fluorescence imaging to help make the procedure less invasive and more precise.

“Robotic-assisted surgery provides surgeons with a higher level of visualization and therefore, accuracy.  Now, with the integration of Firefly fluorescence imaging during robotic procedures, surgeons can observe tissue even more clearly, further improving surgical precision,” said Dr. Marcet, professor of surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and vice chief of surgery at Tampa General Hospital. “The process involves the injection of a fluorescent dye that helps surgeons identify healthy, viable tissue. Using this imaging technology will potentially lower the risk of complications in the reconstructed tissue and help prevent the need for additional surgeries.”

Dr. Jorge Marcet, USF Health colorectal surgeon

The da Vinci Surgical System is a robot-assisted, minimally invasive tool that enables surgeons to perform delicate and complex operations through tiny incisions with breakthrough vision, precision, dexterity and control.

“Firefly technology will allow the most accurate assessment of the intestine prior to performing very delicate colon surgeries of any kind, improving the quality of the surgery. The ability to use Firefly for this application is especially good news for our patients with colorectal cancer,” Dr. Marcet said. 

Dr. Marcet says the advantages of laparoscopic robotic-assisted colorectal surgery include:

·             Low blood loss

·             Quicker return to bowel function

·             Quicker return to normal diet

·             Shorter hospital stay

·             Less pain and scarring

·             Quicker return to normal activities

USF Health physicians at Tampa General Hospital also offer da Vinci procedures for gynecological surgeries such as hysterectomies, cervical and uterine cancers, uterine fibroids and endometriosis, urological procedures including prostate, bladder and kidney cancers, vesicoureteral reflux and prostatectomy and for general surgery including gall bladder, hernia, reflux, and colorectal procedures.

Media contact:
Ellen Fiss, Public Relations Manager, Tampa General Hospital
(813) 844-6397, or efiss@tgh.org