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Robotic Technology Assists in Surgeries Performed by Miami County Surgeons

(January 1, 2015) - Robot technology is assisting surgeons in certain gall bladder surgeries at Upper Valley Medical Center/Premier Health, providing better visualization and better access to the surgical area.

For the patient, the robotic surgery can mean shorter recovery time, less blood loss and quicker return to a normal routine.

The da Vinci Si robotic surgery system first was used at the hospital for gynecological procedures. Surgeons Christopher Grove, Patrick Larreategui, Daniel Taylor, Stewart Lowry and Zachary Simmons of Miami County Surgeons now are using the technology to perform gall bladder surgeries.  

“One misconception is that the technology is doing the surgery. It is better called ‘robotic-assisted’ surgery,” Dr. Grove said. ”We are running the equipment. The robot is not making any moves that we do not tell it to do.”

The doctors said they plan to utilize the robotic surgery system to assist them with other procedures including hernias and colorectal cases in the coming year.

Dr. Taylor said that one of the greatest advantages of this technology is that it “offers three-D vision and a ‘wrist’ tool that makes your moves more precise.” From a surgeon’s perspective, those abilities make for better patient outcomes and satisfaction.

The experienced surgeons each received specialized robotic training beginning with online modules followed by case observation and hands on simulator training at a regional training center in Cincinnati. 

Each surgeon also participated in a Premier Health proctoring program with an experienced robotic surgeon observing them while they performed several cases, Dr. Grove said.

Dr. Taylor explained the robot can be used to do a single-incision procedure meaning the patient would have only one incision instead of four that would accompany laparoscopic surgery, another minimally invasive process.  

A single incision can mean quicker recovery for the patient, Dr. Larreategui said. “This is really an advancement of laparoscopic surgery. It is different instruments that allow you to do even better dissection, better visualization,” he explained.

New equipment expected in the coming year will add even more safety to the procedure by allowing the surgeon to see the anatomy and blood supply even better, Dr. Grove said.   

“That will also open the door for some other procedures,” he said.

Use of the robot is not appropriate in every case. Previous procedures and the extent of a disease are among factors that would influence that decision. Robotic-assisted surgery is done in elective, scheduled situations, not in emergency surgery. If needed, the surgeon may convert from the robotic method to the traditional laparoscopic or open method to complete a procedure, Dr. Grove said.

One other major advantage is the surgery can be done close to home. “It is being done here at our local community hospital. Patients don’t have to go to a larger city to have it done,” Dr. Larreategui said.  

To learn more about robotic surgery being performed at UVMC, contact Miami County Surgeons at 332-8777.  

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