Da Vinci Robot arrives at Jesup’s Wayne Memorial Hospital

Within a sanitized operating room at Wayne Memorial Hospital lies a masterpiece. Although not a piece of art, the da Vinci surgical system could be considered a work of art, medically. The da Vinci Xi is already in use, under the guidance of Dr. Michael Kennedy, General Surgeon. Regarding the benefits of the system, Dr Kennedy shares the da Vinci results in “a smaller incision, less pain and quicker recovery for the patient.” With decreased pain, there is “less narcotic use post-op and a quicker return to work for the patient.” From a physician standpoint, this robot-assisted surgery via da Vinci offers “a better visualization of the operative scene,” Dr. Kennedy said.

Other stakeholders see benefits as well. The hospital’s Director of Surgical Services, Heather Elliott, RN, BSN, says, “I do think that robotics are the future for minimally invasive surgery. The robot is an extension of the surgeon and allows for better accuracy and control. The da Vinci robot works with ease and precision and results in better outcomes for the patient. I do think this will shorten surgery recovery time and shorten hospital stays.” Procedures the da Vinci Xi system will be used for include cholecystectomies (gall bladder removal), appendectomies, and hernia repairs, with perhaps more to come. Both Elliott and Dr. Kennedy have been working with Intuitive for their da Vinci training and rollout in the Operating Room.

About the da Vinci Surgical System There are several models of the da Vinci surgical system. The da Vinci surgical systems are designed to help surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery. Da Vinci systems offer surgeons high-definition 3D vision, a magnified view, and robotic and computer assistance. They use specialized instrumentation, including a miniaturized surgical camera and wristed instruments (i.e., scissors, scalpels and forceps) that are designed to help with precise dissection and reconstruction deep inside the body.

About Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Intuitive (Nasdaq: ISRG), headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and a pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery. At Intuitive, our mission statement is we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints. Intuitive brings more than two decades of leadership in robotic-assisted surgical technology and solutions to its offerings, and develops, manufactures and markets the da Vinci surgical system and the Ion endoluminal system.

Wayne Memorial Hospital, whose mission is to provide high quality health care services to all patients, built a state-of-the-art facility in 2007. It is the third largest employer in Wayne County with 500 employees, 84 beds and is a three-time winner of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Small Hospital of the Year Award