Joseph H. Jacob, MD, FACOG, FACS, performed his 100th surgical case using the da Vinci® S HD™ Surgical System at Saint Francis Medical Center on Monday, August 17, 2009. As the only gynecologic oncologist between St. Louis, Mo., and Memphis, Tenn., Jacob is using the da Vinci robot to improve the lives of women throughout the Southeast Missouri region.

Jacob uses the new ultraprecise da Vinci Surgical System at Saint Francis to operate through tiny incisions with remarkable results. Patients experience reduced trauma to the body, reduced blood loss and need for transfusions, less postoperative pain and discomfort, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and return to normal daily activities, and less scarring.

Jacob says it is much more than his efforts in the operating room that have made this new surgical program a success. "It takes a dedicated team to perform da Vinci surgery – a dedicated staff all the way down from administration," states Jacob.

"You have to have a dedicated team, including nurse assistants, surgical technicians and anesthesiologists. Everyone has to be committed because this is new technology. It is very sophisticated. So it takes some time to gather your team together in order to be able to perform these procedures efficiently."

Working together, Jacob and his surgical team have brought the most minimally invasive gynecologic surgery available today to the women of Southeast Missouri. Jacob's surgical team includes Hallie Allen, RN; Krista Anthony; Carla Barber, RN; Jessica Buerck; Jennifer Eddleman; Robyn Nesler; Julie Ponder; Matthew Schlegel, RN; Julie Smith, RN; Kathy Wallace, RNFA; and Nathan Yoast, RN. This milestone was accomplished less than one year after Jacob first began using the technology, a feat unmatched by most physicians. It clearly demonstrates the team's clinical excellence as a result of much dedication, talent and skill.

Jacob adds: "The staff here is excellent. They worked really hard to begin using this technology, and so far, it has just worked out marvelously."

In addition to gynecology, Saint Francis uses da Vinci robotic surgery for cardiothoracic and urological procedures. The Medical Center is committed to being on the leading edge of technology and is grateful to have physicians who are enthusiastic about gaining expertise in the most advanced technology available.