Surgical robotic system adds precision, speeds recovery for Veterans in Arkansas

The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System has installed a new FDA-approved Da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system that brings precision, minimal invasive procedures and speedy recovery to Veteran patients.

The newest FDA-approved version of Intuitive Surgical’s robotic system was installed in an operating room at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital and tested in a simulated environment.  The system will be used on a patient for the first time in early December.  General and urologic surgery will be the focus at first.

“This is a major step for Arkansas Veteran surgical patients,” said Dr. James W. Smith, chief of Surgical Service.  “we are able to perform surgeries that result in smaller incisions, finer dissection, less blood loss and less pain, all allowing the Veteran to go home quicker.”

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The Da Vinci robot is 100 percent controlled by a trained surgeon and translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, precise, movements of tiny wristed instruments that can bend and rotate better than a human hand.

Several VA medical centers across the country are already using the system and now Arkansas Veterans will be able to take advantage of the technology.

“Our Veterans deserve the very best in care, service and technology,” said Dr. Margie Scott, medical center director.  “This brings a whole new level of modern care to our Veterans that is state-of-the-art and life-changing.”

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About the author: C.A. Durney is a public affairs officer for the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.