Hays Medical Center is the first in western Kansas to offer robotic-assisted surgery with the introduction of the da Vinci Surgical System, the hospital said today in a news release. The system offers patients the conveniences of the latest in surgical technology for their procedures. HaysMed began performing robotic surgeries in February.
Intuitive Surgical Inc.’s da Vinci Surgical System is a state-of-the-art robotic platform that enables surgeons to perform complex surgeries through a minimally invasive approach. The robotic platform consists of a computerized screen that allows the surgeon to view the surgical site as a highly magnified 3-D image, and a control panel is used to operate miniature robotic “wrists” to perform surgery that would normally be beyond human capabilities alone. Incisions with robotic-assisted surgery can be as small as the diameter of a quarter.
The HaysMed robotic department consists of a dedicated robotics coordinator, surgeons and a team of highly trained support individuals.
“The selected staff members were chosen to be part of the team because of their enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and commitment to making this a great patient experience,” said Larry Watts, chief medical officer.
Each of the surgeons on the robotics team and every robotics staff member have not only been trained individually, but also with a surgeon and the da Vinci simulator which allows for additional training time.
The surgeons who will be performing procedures with the da Vinci Surgical System have completed a rigorous training program in addition to training with a mentor. HaysMed has arranged ongoing support from Intuitive Surgical, Inc. to ensure that all staff members in the robotic department are able to provide patients with the best possible care.
“It is critical that every patient is comfortable and safe throughout every step of their care,” said Bill Norris, HaysMed director of surgery.
HaysMed will be using the robot for selected general, urological and gynecological surgeries.
“Through this new system, we are able to offer our patients more precise and improved surgical procedures which can result in a faster recovery time and a shorter length of stay at the hospital,” Watts said.
With the ability to perform complex surgeries through a single-site incision and offer improved dexterity through use of the da Vinci System’s surgical arms, virtually all confinement of regular and laparoscopic surgery is eliminated.
“Many patients are able to have surgery in the morning and be discharged from the hospital the same day with fewer complications, returning them to their normal lifestyle almost immediately,” Watts said.
HaysMed is now offering robotic-assisted surgery to its patients as a continuance of its commitment to providing quality patient care and services. Not all patients are candidates for robotic surgery. To find out if you might be a candidate for this surgery, talk to your doctor or call (855) 429-7633.