Far from the iconic C-3PO of “Star Wars,” the da Vinci Si e HD robotic surgery system at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton resembles a robotic octopus and enables surgeons to provide even more advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures. The robot’s precise movements and tiny implements enable surgeons to operate with even smaller incisions, often leading to faster, less-painful recoveries.
With a qualified surgeon at the controls, the robotic surgery system at Tanner can potentially be used for a wide variety of procedures, from gynecologic surgery to prostate removal, cancer surgery, gallbladder surgery, colorectal surgery and more.
While the system has been installed, the hospital does not expect to begin performing robotic surgical procedures for another couple of months. During that time, surgeons will begin to train on the device and become credentialed to use it.
“While many members of our medical staff trained on these robotic surgery systems in medical school and in their residencies, we still have a certification process in place to ensure that all team members in our care environment are well-versed in using this new technology,” said DeNene Cofield, CNOR, director of surgical services for Tanner Health System. “It’s all part of our standard process to ensure the highest level of safety and best outcomes for our patients.”
The new $1.5 million robotic surgery system will be on public display during the hospital’s open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where members of the public can actually test-drive the new device. Also on display will be the hospital’s expanded surgical services unit and new, 40-bed emergency department.
“With the addition of three new operating suites, including a state-of-the-art hybrid operating suite, and an expanded short stay surgery unit, post-anesthesia care unit and more now open at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, the new robotic surgery system is another step in expanding access to exceptional surgical care in the region,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System. “When considering providers for surgery, the option to have a procedure done robotically is something people are looking at very closely. Now, that will be an option available to the people who choose Tanner.”
Along with tiny, highly-dexterous implements, the da Vinci Si e HD system at Tanner provides a higher level of visibility for surgeons, who can view a magnified, high-resolution three dimensional image of the surgical site from the da Vinci console.
“The ability to perform surgery by looking through a laparoscope has been available for some time, and has been what enables providers to offer minimally invasive surgeries,” said Cofield. “At Tanner, all of our operating suites are outfitted to accommodate minimally invasive surgery, which accounts for about 90 percent of the procedures we perform. This system offers advanced 3-D high definition visualization, with 10 times magnification and an immersive view of the operative field.”
“Our surgical capacity has grown substantially, as has the range of services Tanner offers,” said Howard. “The availability of high-definition, minimally invasive robotic surgery at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton further illustrates that you don’t have to look to Atlanta or Birmingham for the latest surgical care; your best options may be much closer to home.”
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