Sarah Bush Lincoln has acquired a da Vinci 5, the latest robotic surgical system available, becoming the first hospital in the state to have this technology, and the only hospital at this time.
Sarah Bush Lincoln was offered this new system by the manufacturer because of the heavy surgical use of the previous da Vinci, purchased by SBL two years ago. The new system has an enhanced sensing mechanism that allows the surgeon to feel the push and pull forces on tissue at the instrument tips. The sensors are able to generate post-operative, objective performance measurements on tissue for training insights as surgeons develop an optimal feel for the instrumentation.
SBL President & CEO Kim Uphoff said, “We were excited to purchase our first da Vinci two years ago because we knew our patients would benefit from this and have better surgical outcomes with less recovery discomfort. To be one of only a few hospitals in the country to have the newest model – the da Vinci 5 – speaks volumes about the adaptability of our surgical team.”
Robotic surgery has many advantages for appropriate patients, including smaller incisions and reduced recovery times. At Sarah Bush Lincoln, the da Vinci surgical system gives the surgeon 100 percent control of the robotic-assisted system, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. The system’s 3D-HD vision system provides surgeons a highly magnified view (up to 10X), virtually extending their eyes and hands.
When recommended by your surgeon, the da Vinci surgical system can be used for these procedures: colorectal (colon resection, colorectal surgery), general surgery (hernia repair, gallbladder surgery), gynecology (hysterectomy for endometriosis, cancer, fibroid resection, and ovarian cystectomy), thoracic (lung resection for cancer), and urology (kidney surgery/nephrectomy and prostatectomy for cancer).
Colt Guthridge, SBL VP Surgical Services added, “Our da Vinci is in use nearly every day so having a second robotic system will make our surgery schedule more flexible.” He added that the robotic system is a recruitment tool when talking with prospective surgeons. “Surgeons have used similar equipment in residencies and they look for organizations where they can continue to use the best surgical equipment. We’re happy to have it ready for them and for our patients.”
Uphoff concluded, “Our surgeons are very skilled and are always researching ways to enhance their excellence surgical outcomes. I am confident that our community will reap the rewards of their expertise.”
With this most recent acquisition, Sarah Bush Lincoln has five robotic systems – MAKO and ROSA used for orthopedics; Ion for pulmonary and two da Vinci robots.