Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center (EMRMC) has achieved a significant milestone in the use of the da Vinci Surgical System. Since investing in the surgical system in March 2017, EMRMC has now completed more than 4,000 procedures using the system.

The Regional Medical Center has two da Vinci Xi surgical systems, which are used in general, bariatric, urology and thoracic surgeries. The systems were purchased through investments by the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation.

“It’s a remarkable achievement to reach the 4,000-procedure milestone for robotics surgery,” said Donna Longmire, RN, BSN, MH, MBA, CNOR, CENP, system surgical services director for Ephraim McDowell Health. “Robotics surgery enhances the visual field for surgeons, making it safer for patients. Additionally, patients have fewer complications and recover faster.”

The da Vinci Surgical System was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000. Use of the robot benefits patients because of less blood loss, less need for pain medication and a shorter hospital stay. The surgical system also benefits surgeons by providing enhanced vision of the surgical area as well as affording enhanced precision and control of the system’s instruments.