Hyperthermia Treatment (Deep Tissue)

Deep tissue hyperthermia uses heat with radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat pelvic or abdominal region tumors.

For example, when used on some cervical cancer patients who aren’t able to receive chemotherapy, deep tissue hyperthermia combined with radiation therapy may be a promising treatment option.

Prior to this procedure, a CT scan is performed to locate the tumor. During the deep tissue hyperthermia treatment, temperature probes are placed both externally and internally to accurately monitor temperatures during the treatment.

A water-filled applicator is then placed over the patient’s abdomen and focused electromagnetic energy (radio frequency energy) is directed at the tumor, exposing the tumor to a temperature of around 104°F or 40°C. The heating effect is monitored and can be turned down if it becomes too hot. It immediately stops when the equipment is turned off.

Deep tissue hyperthermia dilates blood vessels around the tumor, causing oxygen-carrying red blood cells to spread into the tumor.

When the patient is later exposed to radiation treatment, the radiation reacts with the high levels of oxygen in the tumor, potentially destroying the tumor cells. Or if the patient receives chemotherapy after deep tissue hyperthermia, it can increase the flow of blood to the tumor area, potentially bringing more chemotherapy to the tumor.

The deep tissue hyperthermia treatment can take up to two hours and is typically performed twice a week for the duration of the radiation or chemotherapy treatment.

It is recommended to consult your doctor so they can determine the cancer therapy most appropriate for you.

Fibromyalgia

The musculoskeletal system is responsible for movement of the body. It is made up of bones, muscles, joints, and the structures that hold them together called ligaments and tendons.

When pain persists in these structures and tissues, a condition known as fibromyalgia may develop.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that can present in many ways. The symptoms can be a dull aching or shooting pain and can be either mild or severe. Painful areas are known as tender points and may include the neck, shoulders, back, hips and knees.

Symptoms may vary depending on factors such as stress and physical activity. Fibromyalgia may contribute to sleep disturbances, fatigue and psychological distress.  Prior to beginning any therapy, it is important to consult your doctor to determine the treatment option that is best for you.

Da Vinci Surgical System

The da Vinci Surgical System offers a minimally-invasive option for patients undergoing a complex surgery. In traditional laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon operates while standing, using rigid hand-held instruments, and looking away to a 2D video monitor to view the target anatomy.

With da Vinci, the surgeon operates from a comfortable, seated position, with eyes and hands in line with the instruments, and a magnified 3D view of the target anatomy.

During prostate removal, the surgeon first makes a few small incisions to introduce tiny instruments and a high-definition camera inside the patient. As the surgeon sits at a specially-designed console, the patient’s anatomy appears on the viewer as a magnified, high-resolution 3D image, in brilliant color and with natural depth of field.

With eyes and hands in line with the instruments, the surgeon uses controls below the viewer to move the three interactive robotic instrument arms and camera. The system then translates, in real time, the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise movements of the instruments inside the patient.

To remove a cancerous prostate, the surgeon frees the prostate by making cuts at the bladder neck and urethra. The surgeon can work around the anatomy and delicate nerve bundles, some of which are responsible for sexual function. Once the prostate is detached, it is then removed. A catheter is inserted and used as a guide to reattach the bladder to the urethra.

Throughout the procedure, the surgeon controls every surgical movement. The system cannot be programmed or act in any way without the surgeon’s input.

The da Vinci System can be used to treat several other cancers. It is recommended to consult your doctor so they can determine the cancer treatment most appropriate for you.