Robot Invasion: Alabama Medical Centers Adopt New Surgery System Program

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The Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Baldwin County, Alabama has joined the healthcare innovation movement with the addition of its new robotic surgery program, reported Gulfcoastnewstoday.com. Surgeons use their feet and hands to control the robot and manipulate surgical instruments.

Gulfocoastnewstoday.com reported that the robot is designed with a system that includes the surgeon’s console, robotic arm apparatus and a power-supply panel. Surgeons reported that there are several benefits to using the robot, some of which include; smaller incisions, faster patient healing and recovery, less need for pain medication, and less scarring. According to David B. Samadi, M.D. of Robotic Oncology, the robotic system is superior to traditional surgery because it reduces the chance of human error; the controls are only active when a doctor’s face is in the viewfinder to help prevent any accidental movement of instruments.
   
RMC’s CEO, Keith Newton, stated that Baldwin County felt it necessary to acquire the robot because it is the newest technology currently offered in medicine. OBGYN Dr. deLacee Corbett performed her first operation with the robotic system two weeks ago and stated in an interview that the outcome was “…fantastic, it was amazing.” Newton claims that the robot produces the type of experience and results that patients want from an operation.

RMC reported currently having only one surgeon using the robot, but that will quickly change as others are trained in the specifics of the system. According to the article, there are a dozen surgeries presently scheduled to take place at RMC using the robotic system.

Photo credit: ©iStockphoto.com/[PaulVinton]

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