Robot-assisted surgery introduced at United Hospital

June 20 open house offers hands-on surgeon experience

June 7, 2019

GREENVILLE, Mich., June 5, 2019 – Minimally-invasive surgery at Spectrum Health United Hospital is taking a high-tech leap forward with the installation of a da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery system.

An open house to showcase the new da Vinci X Surgical System is June 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Spectrum Health United Hospital Surgery Center in Greenville. A ribbon cutting ceremony is at 5:30 p.m. and guests are invited to enjoy refreshments while test driving a demo-robot. Participants will experience first-hand the capabilities of the da Vinci system.

The da Vinci system is a robotic-assisted surgical technology that enables the surgeon to operate through a few small incisions, like traditional laparoscopy, instead of a large open incision. The difference is that instead of directly manipulating the instruments, the surgeon uses da Vinci’s multiple arms to translate hand movements into smaller, meticulous movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body.

The surgeon sits at a console, looking at a high definition, 3D image of the surgical site captured by a tiny endoscope camera on one of the device’s arms. The system provides the surgeon with enhanced vision, precision and control.

United Hospital is currently using the da Vinci X Surgical System for general and gynecological operations.

Dr. Ruth Bruce DO, FACOOG has performed eight of the 14 robotic surgeries that have occurred at United Hospital since April.

Dr. Bruce said the da Vinci system offers “break-through capabilities,” for Greenville-based surgeons.

“This remarkably sophisticated equipment opens up techniques that can be of great benefit to our patients,” Bruce said. “The da Vinci instruments are 100% under the control of the surgeon and enhance the surgeon’s skills. It is capable of precise and minute movements and flexibility beyond what the human hand can do.”

Dr. Bruce said the potential benefits can include, “…quicker recovery, fewer complications, less pain, less chance of switching to open surgery during procedures, shorter hospital stays, and lower readmission rates.”

Andrea Leslie, Spectrum Health president of United, Kelsey, Big Rapids and Reed City hospitals, said the introduction of the da Vinci system is great news for regional patients.

“This technology has been a game changer in other Spectrum Health markets,” Leslie said. “It’s this type of exceptional care that our patients expect and deserve.”

The da Vinci robotic-assist system has been used for more than six million procedures worldwide in a wide range of procedures.

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