AdventHealth for Women surgeon Dr. Steven McCarus reaches milestone with 100th gynecological procedure using Senhance

One hundred women have benefitted from a surgical system, unique in Florida at AdventHealth Winter Park, that is more precise, minimally invasive and helps lead to quicker patient recovery with little or no scarring.

Recently, Dr. Steven McCarus, an internationally recognized obstetrics and gynecology surgeon at AdventHealth for Women, performed his 100^th gynecological procedure using the Senhance Surgical System.

“We thought it would be a good system for minimally invasive women’s surgery for patients concerned about scarring,” McCarus said. “Senhance can be used for hysterectomies and other benign female surgeries, general gynecology and soft tissue operations in the gut area.”

Robots are not replacing surgeons, but they are certainly making modern medicine more efficient. Clinical innovations such as the use of the Senhance system for gynecology emphasize the commitment of the AdventHealth for Women network of hospitals to provide Central Florida patients with the latest in surgical options and advantages.

McCarus with his wife and partner, Dr. Tamberly McCarus, a gynecological surgeon at AdventHealth Winter Park, have performed 100 procedures since 2019. Many of the scheduled procedures were put on hold during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“After 100 cases, I can say Senhance takes the best aspects of a surgical robot and infuses it into a unique system,” McCarus said. “It’s very easy to use and creates a comfort zone for the surgeon. We’re able to make 5-millimeter and 3-millimeter incisions with Senhance, which are minimally invasive and help lead to quicker patient recovery with little or no scarring.”

Patients are always made aware of the robotics used during surgery, said McCarus. They are briefed in advance so there are no surprises.

“Patients don’t ask for robotic surgery, but it is a matter of physician preference,” said McCarus. “The device is more precise, which benefits the patient, but the robotic platform is easier on the surgeon. The big screen gives you better visualization.”

Beyond the practical application during surgery, McCarus cited the economics involved with Senhance surgery as it relates to overall health care costs.

“It utilizes already existing equipment in the operating room, so there are no additional costs that you find with other robotic devices,” he said. “We’ve had zero complications directly related to the system – no complications during laparoscopic hysterectomies, no hernias, no infections – and we’ve been able to complete all of the cases.”

“This is the first generation of the product, and it’s a unique system that is growing to be a major player in surgery,” McCarus said. “An augmented intelligence platform (digital surgery) will be the next generation. We’re pretty early in the journey, but it’s worked well. This is far better than any other system I have used.”