St. Luke’s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery

A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation

When it comes to minimally invasive (thoracoscopic or laparoscopic) surgery, St. Luke’s continues to be at the forefront of technology. Minimally invasive surgery with its small incisions, specialized techniques, miniature cameras, high definition monitors, and other advanced equipment means that patients recover faster and with less pain than they would with a traditional “open” procedure.

Today’s advanced technology includes robotic-assistive devices that allow surgeons to operate without the need for large incisions that can pose a greater risk for infection, increase scarring and trauma to surrounding tissue, and take longer to heal.

After nearly 20 years of minimally invasive surgery at St. Luke’s, the Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery collaborates with dozens of highly skilled, experienced surgeons who offer a  full catalog of laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures designed to benefit patients ranging from newborn to geriatric.

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a term used to describe advanced procedures that require much smaller incisions than do traditional methods of surgery. The use of sophisticated technology at
St. Luke’s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery allows surgeons to deliver care to their patients without the need for large incisions that can be more painful, pose a greater risk for infection, and take longer to heal.

Minimally invasive procedures are performed in many specialties, including general surgery; pediatrics; neurosurgery; orthopedics; general surgery; cardio-thoracic and vascular; ear, nose, and throat; gynecology; urology; bariatric (weight loss) surgery; and oncology.

State-of-the-Art Technology
St. Luke’s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery offers specialized robotic, video, and other technologies to assist surgeons during procedures. For example, in 1994, laparoscopic surgery was improved with the introduction of a robotic assistive device called AESOP™, which acts as an extra arm for the surgeon. That same year, St. Luke’s became one of the first five hospitals worldwide to adopt robotics. Since the time St. Luke’s brought AESOP to Idaho, many area surgeons have been trained in its use, and are now offering their patients the significant benefits provided by this and other minimally invasive procedures.

Our latest addition to enhance our surgical capabilities is the da Vinci Surgery System. This innovative technology enables the most precise, most comprehensive, and least invasive surgical approach for prostate and early stage gynecologic cancer. The state-of-the-art robotic platform system is currently used by urologists in prostatectomy, nephrectomy (kidney removal), partial nephrectomy, and cystectomy (bladder removal). Compared to an open or conventional laparoscopic approach for prostate cancer treatment, the da Vinci system allows for advanced quality visualization, dissection, and suturing.

Gynecologic oncologists are using da Vinci to perform hysterectomy and lymph node dissection to treat endometiral cancer, radical hysterectomy to treat cervical cancer, ovarian cancer staging, and uterine prolapse. The da Vinci system's visualization, dexterity, and control allows surgeons to treat early stage gynecologic cancer minimally invasively, allowing for greater access and precision.

The surgical suites at St. Luke's that are dedicated to minimally invasive procedures feature the latest technology designed to increase operating room efficiency. The integrated monitors and other video-assisted surgical equipment eliminate the need for heavy, awkward instrument carts. Set-up and put-away times are reduced, and patient safety is improved by having monitors in the direct sight line of surgeons.

Our commitment to providing the latest technology, plus the skill and expertise of our staff and physicians, is the reason so many people choose St. Luke’s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Designed with Patients and Physicians in Mind
St. Luke’s dedicated operating suites not only feature the state-of-the-art medical equipment surgeons require to perform a wide range of minimally invasive procedures; they are also designed to accommodate evolving technologies. Complementing our numerous AESOP devices and other specialized equipment is an image-guidance system known as VectorVision, a product of BrainLAB. VectorVision’s cutting-edge technology allows neurosurgeons and ear/nose/throat (ENT) specialists to better pinpoint the location of tumors, aneurysms, and other problem areas. This advanced computerized system assists the surgeon during all phases of the operation, including pre-surgical planning. In addition, patients in need of gynecological or urological surgery now have many options to discuss with their physician before deciding upon an open and/or less invasive procedure.

Our highly specialized and trained staff are dedicated to the care of each person who comes through the operating room doors. Whether you are an adult patient with heart disease or the parent of a child with cancer, our expertise and commitment provides the level of excellence you would expect from the region’s largest provider of health care services. St. Luke’s was named an Overall Best Performer by Avatar International – an award based on actual patient surveys that recognizes our commitment to improving health care and the professionalism demonstrated by our staff. We have also been chosen Idaho's Consumer Choice every year since 2001.

St. Luke's Children's Hospital, Idaho’s only children’s hospital, provides special staff and features just for kids. Our Pediatric Surgery Suites feature child-focused pre- and post-operative areas to keep patients and their families secure and comfortable, and our Child Life specialists work to help make the surgical experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. From toys to in-room movies to kid-size beds and equipment, St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital is a place where youngsters are transported by wagons rather than wheelchairs, and hugs are a regular part of the treatment.