The da Vinci Surgical System, a big success at SMH

For a little over a year now, Sheridan Memorial Hospital has owned and operated a da Vinci Surgical System and uses the robot as another tool to help perform complex surgical procedures.  

Sheridan native, Dr. Joshua Scott, has trained on and utilizes the da Vinci Surgical System for SMH. A former U.S. Army surgeon, Scott had the option early in his education to become a researcher, but found the experience to be too isolating. He enjoys interacting and helping people. 

Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s robotic surgery device, the da Vinci Surgical System. Photo courtesy of SMH.

The da Vinci Surgical System Scott uses is much like a more stable hand to hold laparoscopic tools. Laparoscopy utilizes thin lighted tubes that have a video camera and tools to accomplish complex surgeries with little invasion to the body. The tube is called a laparoscope.

Dr. J. Scott

He told listeners of Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse that although the robot is helping with the work being conducted during a surgery, it’s the human brain, not artificial intelligence technology that is directing what the tools accomplish. While the robot is placed over top of the patient and performing the task, Scott is operating the machine from a console equipped with levers, pedals and a set of small screens (much like binoculars) that give him a 3D image inside the patient’s body. 

Dr. J. Scott

He sees the robot as another tool that can be employed as one option to find the best solution for patients facing certain surgical procedures. According to Scott, recovery time for patients is much quicker than traditional invasive surgeries from the past. 

With over 100 successful surgeries completed in just over a year since the robot went online at SMH, Scott said he looks forward to not only conducting more, but training others on the robot as well. 

Scott told listeners another advantage to using the robot; extending the time a surgeon can operate. Not just during the procedure, but perhaps the career of the surgeon. Surgeons often spend hours standing in one spot, head tilted downward and hands steady. The stress on their bodies wears even the most fit surgeon down over the course of a career. 

Dr. J. Scott

Surgeon from Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Dr. Joshua Scott, demonstrates how he performs surgery using the robotic surgery device, the da Vinci Surgical System. Photo courtesy of SMH.

Although extremely useful, the da Vinci Surgical System isn’t right for every procedure. Family doctors at SMH discuss each possible case with Scott that may benefit from the use of the robot. 

To learn more about robotic-assisted surgery at SMH, click here.