Sovah Health introduced its new Da Vinci Xi surgical robot during a July 9 open house at New College Institute, giving community members and local leaders an opportunity to see the technology firsthand before the hospital launches its robotic surgery program in Martinsville.
Attendees watched demonstrations of the robot and learned how the technology is expected to expand surgical options while improving patient outcomes.
“We are launching our robotics program in Martinsville, and tonight we are bringing key business leaders and the community out to New College Institute,” said Hailey Fowlkes, marketing and communications director. “We are letting them drive the robot, see what it’s like, put their hands on it to see how it works and, hopefully, bring patients and all of your family members into Martinsville once we launch our program.”
Steve Heatherly, Sovah Health’s chief executive officer and market president, said robotic surgery has become the standard of care for many procedures.
“Robotic surgery has really become the standard of care in health care. We implemented a program at our Danville hospital two years ago, and it’s been incredibly successful. Now we’re proud and excited to implement it here in Martinsville,” Heatherly said.
Heatherly said robotic-assisted surgery offers several benefits for patients.
“There’s better pain control. They stay in the hospital for shorter stays because it’s a less invasive form of surgery. There’s lower infection rates. Everybody benefits from this,” he said. “What we know is that there are people from our communities who are leaving here to go other places just for robotic surgery. We are thrilled to be able to offer this state-of-the-art technology here.”
The robotic surgery program will initially be available through the hospital’s general surgeons.
“If you’re a patient, you should ask your primary care physician. If they need to make a referral and they think you might benefit from robotic surgery, you can ask to be referred to a general surgeon in the community, and Sovah Health will be able to offer that to you,” Heatherly said.
He added that patients with questions may contact the hospital or speak with one of its general surgeons.
General surgeon Dr. Kareem Hamdy said the robotic system gives surgeons greater precision during procedures.
“One way to think of a robot is that it’s a way to miniaturize a surgeon’s hands and wrists and be able to put them in the patient’s body in close proximity to the very delicate structures that you operate on,” Hamdy said.
“What that does is dramatically increase your precision and your consistency. Naturally, tissue damage happens with surgery. That tissue damage will be dramatically minimized. Your blood loss will also be decrease significantly. In practical terms, what that translates to for patients is a quicker recovery.”
General surgeons Dr. Scott O’Neil and Dr. David Graham joined hospital leaders for the event.
