Doctor at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South Completes First Robotic Surgery

March 24, 2015

Doctor at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South Completes First Robotic Surgery

Riverview, Fla., (March 25, 2015)- When doctors diagnosed James Shiver with prostate cancer in December 2014, Dr. Mark Baker recommended he have it removed before the cancer could spread. Fortunately, Shiver was a good candidate for robotic surgery, which means there are smaller incisions and less recovery time as compared to traditional prostate surgery.

In the past, this Apollo Beach resident would have needed to travel in order to undergo robotic surgery, but he was the first patient to undergo the procedure at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, which opened last month in nearby Riverview. 

Prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 60, and half of all men will have some cancer in their prostate by age 80. Using the da Vinci robot, Dr. Baker was able to operate through a few small incisions instead of a large open incision. The da Vinci System features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and special wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist. Da Vinci allows doctors to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. Benefits of using the da Vinci system include:

  • More precise removal of cancer
  • Less blood loss
  • Lower risk of complications
  • Lower risk of wound infection
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less chance of hospital readmission
  • Fewer days with catheter
  • Faster recovery

James spent one night in the hospital and is recovering at home. He says, “The hospital is excellent. Everything was great and on time. Plus, everyone was courteous and the level of security at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South really impressed me.”

Learn more about services offered at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South by visiting www.StJosephsSouth.org.  or connect with us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/StJosephsouth.org . 

About BayCare Health System

BayCare Health System is a leading community-based health system in the Tampa Bay area. Comprised of a network of 13 not-for-profit hospitals, outpatient facilities and services such as imaging, lab, behavioral health and home health care, BayCare provides expert medical care throughout a patient’s lifetime. With more than 280 access points conveniently located throughout Tampa Bay, BayCare connects patients to a complete range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for any health care need. 

BayCare’s hospitals include: Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Joseph’s Children’s, St. Joseph’s Women’s, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, South Florida Baptist, Winter Haven Women’s Hospital and Winter Haven. For more information, visit BayCare on the Web at www.BayCare.org.

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