The healthcare field is constantly evolving, with new advancements, breakthroughs and technology helping to guide medical professionals in their mission to care for people.
One of the most remarkable breakthroughs in recent years has been the advent of robotic surgery, which is heralding a new era in surgical care.
Revolutionizing surgery for better patient outcomes
Robotic surgery harnesses technology to assist surgeons in performing complex procedures with greater precision, flexibility and control than traditional surgery methods.
“The robotic system simply enhances the surgeon’s ability to perform delicate tasks and procedures,” adds Eric Kim, MD, chief of urology for Renown Medical Group. “The thin, robotic arms hold surgical instruments that mimic the movement of the surgeon’s hands with a much greater range of motion and precision. These instruments can rotate and bend in ways that a human hand cannot, allowing for more precise cuts, sutures and dissections.”
These systems have benefits for both healthcare teams and their patients. When a surgeon is able to use the robotic system for a procedure, patients benefit in several areas:
- Reduced pain: Robotic surgery is less invasive than traditional open surgery
- Return to home faster: The recovery time is shorter after a robotic surgery
- Less scarring: Because the incisions needed are smaller, not only is the risk of infection lower, but the scarring itself can be smaller
- Less blood loss: patient don’t lose as much blood during robotic surgery.
- The entire surgery can be done through a single one-and-a-half to two-inch incision, rather than five-plus incisions
Eric Kim, MD performed the first single-port robotic surgery in the region at the end of December and continues to provide innovative care for the community here in northern Nevada.
Investing in the latest technology
At the forefront of this transformation is the da Vinci 5 surgical robot, a cutting-edge innovation that exemplifies the impact of robotics in healthcare.
Developed by Intuitive Surgical, this system is designed to empower surgeons to perform intricate procedures using minimally invasive techniques. This particular robot is distinguished by its enhanced articulation and 3D high-definition visualization, allowing surgeons to manipulate surgical instruments with unprecedented accuracy.
One of the most exciting features of this new robot is its use of Force Feedback technology. This allows surgeons to feel the force of the instrument on the patient through hand controls of the machine. They can now feel the tension and pressure on the skin during steps in surgical procedures such as dissecting and suturing. In short: this allows the surgeon to be gentler throughout the surgery.
“While the robot provides incredible precision, it’s important to know that the surgeon is in complete control of the machine at all times,” said Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, VP and chair of the Department of Surgery at Renown Health.
This advanced robotic system is utilized in a wide array of surgical fields. Its capabilities extend to performing precise dissection and suturing tasks that would be significantly more challenging using conventional methods. The da Vinci 5’s ability to operate through smaller incisions reduces trauma to the body, which means less pain and shorter recovery time for patients after a surgery.
Bringing advanced surgical care to the region
Renown Regional Medical Center is now one of just two hospitals in the entire state of Nevada to offer this advanced technology and the only provider in northern Nevada. As one of the first health systems nationwide to adopt the groundbreaking da Vinci 5 system, Renown is setting a new standard for surgical care by offering enhanced precision, flexibility and control across various complex procedures.
Alexander L. Ayzengart, MD performed the first robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci 5 at Renown in November.
“Minimally invasive robotic surgery, such as that offered through the da Vinci 5, is a tremendous advancement, especially for our bariatric patients,” he said. “The da Vinci system allows for complex weight loss surgeries to be performed with smaller incisions and higher precision, which translates to less pain, reduced risk of complications and quicker recovery times.”
As robotic surgery continues to advance, further innovations are anticipated in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and enhanced connectivity between surgical systems and healthcare networks. These developments are expected to continue revolutionizing patient care, offering more personalized and precise treatments while generating even better outcomes.
Renown Health’s acquisition of the da Vinci 5 system marks a significant advancement in supporting the region’s largest and most comprehensive surgery program. The team at Renown will utilize this state-of-the-art robot across various specialties, including gynecology, colon and rectal surgery, bariatric, urologic and general surgery.
Learn more about robotic surgery at renown.org/surgery.
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