Reston Hospital Center Performs First Single Site GYN Surgery for Northern Virginia

Minimally Invasive + Virtually Scarless - Key Benefits Attracting Women


August 2, 2013 (Reston, VA) - Dr. Evelyn Felluca, Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology performed two first-ever single site procedures in Northern Virginia for GYN surgery at Reston Hospital Center on Friday, August 2nd.   The procedure was performed via the innovative da Vinci® Single-Site ™ technology removing a cyst from a female patients ovary and the second patient surgery being a hysterectomy.  Both surgeries involve a  tiny 1-inch incision in the belly button, in which the organs are then pulled and removed through the belly button.

The ability to provide an alternative to traditional methods for reproductive region related surgeries in Northern Virginia is significant and largely beneficial.  GYN related surgeries that would qualify for da Vinci® Single-Site include removal of cysts from ovaries, ovary removal and hysterectomies.

The benefits of this new procedure for GYN related surgeries include: being virtually scarless,  high patient satisfaction, minimal pain, minimal blood loss, shorter surgery time, shorter hospital stay, and improved vision and range of motion for surgeon over the traditional surgery procedures.  The surgery technology also provides cost-effective healthcare benefits. The ability to replace an open procedure with a minimally invasive one typically benefits the patient, the hospital and the healthcare system. Regarding risks, all surgeries, including da Vinci Surgery, involve risk of complications. Risks are not increased nor decreased by this method.

“When my patients need surgery it can be highly emotional experience because they are coping with disease or dysfunction affecting what makes them uniquely female,” said Dr. Felluca.  “I am passionate about performing minimally-invasive robotic surgery because of the various medical benefits.  Now that I can perform gynecologic surgery through one small incision in the belly button, I can now offer patients a virtually scarless option – given them barely a reminder of the procedure.”

During the procedure, the surgeon sits comfortably at a console, viewing a 3D, high definition image of the patient’s anatomy. The da Vinci® system offers surgerons autonomous camera control for a stable, immersive, and highly magnified 3DHD view of the surgical field.  Surgeon’s hand movents are scaled for precise instrument control.  A large, open working space provides unrestricted range of motion without instrument overcrowding.

Unlike traditional robotic surgeries requiring three to five small incisions, this new technology allows for a single incision in the belly button where instruments are inserted and the diseased area is removed.

As a highly skilled laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. Felluca is leading the way for gynecologic robotic cases at Reston Hospital providing the latest in minimally invasive procedures for patients so that they can get back to living their lives. Dr. Felluca has been named one of the Top Doctors in Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian.

To learn more about robotic single site GYN solutions, visit www.restonhospital.com

About Reston Hospital Center

Part of HCA Virginia Health System, Reston Hospital Center is a 187-bed, acute-care medical and surgical facility that has garnered high honors for attentive patient care and nursing excellence.  Statewide, HCA Virginia Health System operates 13 hospitals and more than 30 outpatient centers and is affiliated with 3,000 physicians.  It is Virginia’s fifth-largest private employer, provides $567 million in charity and uncompensated care, and pays $70.8 million in taxes annually.  For more information about Reston Hospital Center visit www.restonhospital.comwww.restonhospital.com