Health Management Enhances Patient Access to Robotic Technology

posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:41 pm

With the advent of robotic surgery, traditional procedures are being replaced with minimally invasive surgical options for better patient outcomes — physicians have greater precision and patients have less pain, scarring, and a quicker recovery. Health Management hospitals in Mississippi and Kentucky are leaders in providing the latest robotic technology using the da Vinci® Si HD™ Surgical System. Patients can now obtain state-of-the-art robotic surgery at a hospital close to home, benefiting from even more alternatives to open surgery.

Leading Mississippi in robotic surgeries

Woman’s Hospital of Flowood, Miss., which recently acquired a third da Vinci Surgical System, performs more robotic-assisted surgeries than any other hospital in the state. The hospital’s dedicated robotic surgical team has completed hundreds of multi-specialty robotic procedures in a significantly shorter time frame than any regional hospital in Mississippi.

“In addition to traditional surgical services, Woman’s Hospital is also a leader in robotic surgery, performing more gynecologic robotic procedures than any other hospital in Mississippi,” said Sherry Pitts, CEO of Woman’s Hospital. “Robotic technology offers great potential for minimally invasive procedures in a growing range of specialties. The limitless possibilities and benefits are just two reasons we continue to place a high priority on adding more opportunities for physicians to utilize the da Vinci Surgical System.”

Regularly, more than 20 surgeons perform robotic assisted surgery at Woman’s Hospital, including Dr. Darden North, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Using the system since 2010, Dr. North has already performed more than 80 gynecological surgeries, including total laparoscopic hysterectomy and removal of fibroids to save the uterus.

“I realized the da Vinci Surgical System would offer my patients decreased post-operative discomfort and the opportunity to return to their normal lives and activities as soon as possible,” said Dr. North. “The da Vinci robot allows greater surgical precision and less manipulation of tissues in gynecological surgery, enabling me to offer even more successful laparoscopic, minimally invasive procedures.”

Eastern Kentucky gains access to robotic technology

This summer, Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center of Paintsville, Ky., became the first hospital in eastern Kentucky to acquire the da Vinci Surgical System. Working with Intuitive Surgical, Paul B. Hall Regional showcased its new technology at the Kentucky Apple Festival, one of the largest festivals in the state. Hundreds stopped by the hospital’s booth to learn about the new technology and try their hand at the robot’s Skills Simulator.

“We are proud to be one of only two hospitals in the entire state to have this advanced model with the Skills Simulator,” said Debbie Trimble, CEO of Paul B. Hall Regional. “We believe the da Vinci system will help us provide the best possible outcomes, and is proof of our commitment to offering our patients the latest advancements in minimally invasive surgery.”

Dr. Srinivas Ketharaju, who practices Obstetrics and Gynecology at Paul B. Hall Regional, believes that the new robot is a significant advancement for the hospital, the community and patients. “The system allows us to perform the same delicate and complex operations, but with increased precision and improved dexterity,” he said. “We can even see the weave of the suture thread we’re using during surgery.”

Initially, the hospital offered gynecologic robotic assisted surgery, but has since expanded into general surgery. Dr. Milot Faria, one of only seven general surgeons in Kentucky to be listed on the da Vinci physician locater website, now uses the da Vinci robot to offer additional alternatives to open surgery at Paul B. Hall Regional.

Health Management hospitals are dedicated to exceptional patient care, and investing in the latest surgical technology is just one of the ways we enable that care. Our undying commitment to quality continually distinguishes our hospitals as health care leaders.

For more information on da Vinci surgery, visit daVincisurgery.com