Sun, Oct 13, 2024 at 02:32 PM

Marshall Medical Centers Sponsors Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce HealthCare Breakfast

Robotic-assisted surgery is now the standard at Marshall Medical Centers, just as it is in larger hospitals across the country. A panel of four local surgeons described the transition from traditional operating rooms to the latest technology during the annual Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Breakfast this week.

“Robots are now all over the hospital,” said Dr. Stephen Britt of Surgical Associates of North Alabama. “Anything we can do laparoscopically we can do with a robot.”

Dr. Britt and his partner Dr. John Groves use the da Vinci robot to remove gall bladders and repair different types of hernias. In addition to shortened recovery times and less bleeding, one of the benefits is that it saves the backs of surgeons, said Dr. Groves. Because surgeons sit in a console during the operation rather than leaning over a patient, the reduced physical wear and tear actually extends the operating life for surgeons.

The da Vinci Surgical System is a human-controlled robot that uses a minimally invasive approach.

Dr. Michael Jennings of Clinical Urology said the da Vinci is the ‘go-to’ technique now, particularly for prostate surgery. It brings a noticeable improvement in length of hospital stay and recovery time.

“It allows you to see what you normally can’t, especially in the pelvis.”

Robotic instruments allow additional flexibility, said Dr. Cynthia Monk of Cornerstone General Surgical Clinic, who has done 40 cases using the da Vinci.

“I expect it will improve techniques,” she said.

The surgeons – most of whom have at least 20 years in the surgical suite – agreed the most important change is what robotics mean for the future.

“It’s going to help us recruit the next generation of surgeons,” said Dr. Britt. “We had to have it. That was the selling point for me.”