Bartlett Regional Hospital Acquires Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery System; Community Open House Happening May 15
Bartlett Regional Hospital has entered into a lease agreement with Intuitive for the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, allowing the hospital to be the first in Southeast Alaska to offer minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgeries. The da Vinci Xi Robot is the next frontier for minimally invasive surgery combining the latest assisted surgical technologies which allows for easier access to targeted areas.
The first robotic-assisted surgery was performed by Doctor Nicholas Newbury, Bartlett’s Chief of Surgery, on May 5th. “I am proud of our operating room team at Bartlett for stepping up and working diligently over the past several months as we build and implement the robotic surgery program,” said Dr. Newbury with Juneau Obstetrics & Gynecology. “The robotics program will allow me and my partners at Juneau OB/Gyn to use our surgical skills and training to the full extent by offering advanced pelvic and reconstructive surgery that is superior when done robotically. This is just the start of what we can do for surgery in Southeast. Other surgical specialties will also be able to leverage the robot for advanced and complicated procedures.”
Robotic-assisted surgery technology was initially adopted for prostatectomies and gynecology, but now, the da Vinci Xi Robot is becoming more commonly utilized in general surgery. Today, the da Vinci Xi Robot can be used in hernia repair, thoracic surgery, gynecological, pelvic floor, urological and abdominal procedures including gall bladder, colorectal, and several other procedures. Ten da Vinci Xi Robots are already in use in health care facilities in Alaska.
“This new technology is critical to attracting new and skilled surgeons, as young doctors expect robotic capabilities in hospitals,” said David Keith, Chief Executive Officer. “This investment will also allow Bartlett to offer new surgical service lines in the future that typically require travel to the Lower 48.”
Robotic-assisted surgery puts a surgeon’s hands at the controls of a leading-edge robotic platform. The da Vinci Surgical System uses advanced robotic, computer, and optical technology to assist the surgeon, but the robot does not act on its own – its movements are controlled by the surgeon. Clinical outcomes with robotic surgery may include a shorter length of stay in the hospital, lower post-surgery pain and use of medications, lower complication rates and faster recovery.
Installation and training on the da Vinci Xi Robot began in March. Bartlett’s surgical team has completed four surgeries to date and six more surgeries are scheduled for May. A community event is being held Monday, May 15th from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at the hospital to get up-close to and interact with the da Vinci robot, speak with the surgeons, and learn more about robotic-assisted surgery. Those facing minimally invasive surgery should ask their surgeon if da Vinci robotic surgery is right for them.