Arizona Center for Cancer Care to Perform First-Ever Robotic, Single-Site™ Gynecological Surgery in Arizona

WHAT: Arizona Center for Cancer Care (AZCCC) is pleased to announce that on August 16, its own Dr. Ivor Benjamin, assisted by fellow AZCCC gynecological oncologist Dr. Dennis R. Scribner and their team, will become the first ever doctor to perform the da Vinci® Single-Site™gynecological robotic surgery, a recently FDA-cleared method to perform surgery through the bellybutton resulting in minimal pain and virtually scar-free results for women who need complex gynecologic procedures. Dr. Benjamin, who is one of only 27 doctors in the nation to be trained to perform this procedure and the first in Arizona to, also will complete the second successful Single-site procedure that
same day, both at Arrowhead Hospital in Glendale, Ariz.

WHEN: Friday, August 16, 2013

1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

WHERE: Arrowhead Hospital

8701 N 67th Ave,

Glendale, AZ 85308

WHY: In March, the Food and Drug Administration cleared the single-site robotic instruments for use in gynecology.This technology will allow physicians to perform gynecologic procedures for women through a single incision rather than three to five small incisions or through one large open incision, as has been the standard of care. In addition, the potential advantages of using this new technology include quicker recovery time, low blood loss and a reduction in infections.The typical hospital stay for a patient undergoing the surgery is less than 24 hours.

VISUALS:

The da Vinci® Single-Site™ gynecological robot will be available prior to both surgeries.Dr. Benjamin will be performing with the da Vinci® Single-Site™ gynecological robot.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

For interviews with Drs.Benjamin and Scribner, or for photos of both doctors prior to and during the surgery, please contact Katie Snyder at HMA Public Relations at 602-957-8881 (office), 480-286-2411 (cell) or ksnyder@hmapr.com.