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What Is Helix Hydro-Jet Surgery?

Throughout our region, patients in need of surgery for cancer of the liver or pancreas can benefit from the advanced Helix Hydro-Jet technology available only at Saint Vincent. This technology, approved by the FDA in September 2002, enables the removal of tumors with significantly less bleeding and reduced trauma to the organ.

As compared with traditional surgery, which involves the scalpel as the primary tool, Helix Hydro-Jet technology can minimize bleeding, reduce risk and discomfort to the patient, ease recovery and shorten hospital stay. The Hydro-jet procedure works like a giant water-pick, using a high-intensity fine jet of saline to gently lift away and remove cancerous tissue. Because there is minimal trauma, it helps preserve critical structures such as nerves, vessels and ducts.

Patients also benefit from the expert care provided by Hank C. Hill, MD, the region’s only surgical oncologist, a surgeon trained at the world-renown Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and a physician with a distinguished background in cancer research.

Advantages of Helix Hydro-Jet Technology

No trauma to surrounding tissue
Accuracy saves as much of the organs as possible
Minimizes bleeding
Shorter procedure time
Faster recovery from surgery

Talk to your doctor about Helix Hydro-Jet Surgery at Saint Vincent and Hank C. Hill, MD, the region’s only surgical oncologist and the only surgeon in the area offering the option of Helix Hydro-Jet Surgery. Your doctor can contact Dr. Hill at 814/451-8008.

Click below for a web streaming video, featuring Dr. Hill on Helix Hydro-Jet technology at Saint Vincent.

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“Surgery with Helix Hydro-Jet technology is very beneficial to patients because it causes far less discomfort, gets them out of the hospital and home much earlier than traditional surgery, and allows for a faster recovery time. The best part is that, in patients who are candidates for this type of surgery, Helix is just as effective as traditional surgery with a scalpel.” -Hank Hill, M.D.

Patient Testimonial:

“When I learned I had to have a tumor removed from my liver, I had really expected to have a lot of pain and a long hospital stay. The Helix changed all that. I was amazed at how quickly I was up and around and back to my normal life.”
-Joe, liver resection patient

Hank C. Hill, M.D.
Surgical Oncologist

Liver Cancer Facts

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 17,550 new cases (12,130 in men and 5,420 in women) of primary liver cancer and intrahepatic bile duct cancer will be diagnosed in the United States during 2005. About 15,420 people (10,330 men and 5,090 women) will die of these cancers in the United States during 2005.

The cause of liver cancer is unknown. It can originate in the liver or often, the cancer can spread to the liver from other primary sites of cancer in the body, such as the colon, rectum, breast and kidney.

Depending on the type and extent of liver cancer, physicians generally treat it through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and interventional radiological procedures.

Symptoms: According to the ACS, the signs and symptoms of liver cancer are usually not present until the late stages of the disease. However, sometimes they may show up early and lead to an early diagnosis. If you have any of the following problems, please see a doctor right away:

unexplained, unintentional weight loss
anorexia (persistent lack of appetite)
early satiety (feeling very full after a small meal)
liver enlargement or a mass that can be felt in the area of the liver (the upper right side of the abdomen)
persistent abdominal (stomach area) pain
increasing abdominal swelling
jaundice (yellow-green coloration of the skin and eyes)
deterioration in your condition if you have chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis

Prevention: Worldwide, the most significant risk factor for liver cancer is infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B infection. All children, as well as adults at high risk (health care workers, those whose behaviors may put them at risk, etc.), should be vaccinated against hepatitis B virus to prevent this infection and to reduce the risk of liver cancer and liver damage from hepatitis. In the US, alcohol abuse remains a major cause of the cirrhosis that can lead to liver cancer. However, prevention of liver cancers associated with alcohol abuse remains a challenge. Quitting smoking may also slightly lower the risk of liver cancer, as well as lowering the risk for many other life-threatening diseases.

Pancreatic Cancer Facts

The American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts that, in 2005, about 32,180 people in the US will be found to have pancreatic cancer and about 31,800 will die of the disease. This kind of cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death.

About 1 out of 4 patients with cancer of the exocrine pancreas will live at least 1 year after the cancer is found. Only about 1 in 25 will survive for 5 years or more. Risk factors include a family history of pancreatic cancer, melanoma or colon cancer, exposure to certain industrial chemicals or DDT. Talk to your doctor if you have a family member who has had pancreatic cancer. Smokers have a two to 10 times higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than non-smokers. Researchers believe obesity may contribute to the risk, but continued research is needed to confirm this.

Symptoms: Often, there are no symptoms for pancreatic cancer until the disease is well advanced. According to the ACS, the following can be symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Be sure to see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms: jaundice (a yellow color of the eyes and skin), pain in the abdomen or in the middle of the back, unexpected weight loss and appetite loss over a number of months, pale/bulky/greasy stools, and pain immediately after eating.

Prevention: While t here is no magic formula for preventing cancer of the pancreas, the ACS recommends avoiding smoking and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cut down on red meats, especially meats that are processed or high in fat. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight and a program of regular exercise.