SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – Intermountain Health is the first health system in the nation to use a new innovative tool that uses a 3D computer model to guide surgeons during robotic rectal cancer surgery making the procedure more effective and accurate for cancer patients. The new technology, called Iris, converts preoperative MRI images into a 3D model that shows the anatomy and location of the tumor in relation to other organs and structures to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of the surgical procedure. Tae Kim, MD, a colorectal surgeon at Intermountain LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, was the first physician to use the Iris technology for a rectal robotic surgery.
“The benefit of this technology is like having a 3D map before you go into a maze,” said Dr. Kim. “You will know when and where you can be fast and efficient, as well as when and where you have to go slow and deliberate to make sure you get all the cancer.
” Intermountain Health is now just one of two health systems in the nation – and the only one in Utah – approved to use this new technology. For cancer patients, the 3D model helps them better understand the complexity of the anatomy and the surgical procedure. Dr.
Kim now uses the model for his preoperative visits with his patients to explain the procedure. “It’s a very powerful tool to educate the patients and to reassure them that we have a very clear plan,” Dr. Kim said.
One of Dr. Kim’s patients who benefited from th.
