ThedaCare is pleased to announce the recent addition of two Intuitive da Vinci 5® surgical systems to enhance access to expanded care options through communities in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. Da Vinci 5 is Intuitive’s most advanced and integrated platform – designed with the goal of further advancing technology used in minimally invasive surgery care. The two new robots were added to the comprehensive surgery centers at ThedaCare Regional Medical Centers-Appleton and Neenah in late August.
“ThedaCare is proud to be a leader in surgery innovation, continuing to evolve with the best
equipment, technologies and methods to create the best experience and outcomes for our patients,” said Dale Gisi, Senior Vice President, ThedaCare Central Region. “Whenever possible, our surgeons and care teams strive to use less invasive techniques to minimize discomfort and help a person heal faster. The ultimate goal is to support our patients, getting them back to living their best lives and doing what they love most as soon as possible.”
Da Vinci 5 is the newest entry to the da Vinci portfolio of systems, which also includes da Vinci X®, da Vinci Xi®, and da Vinci SP®. The system can be used for minimally invasive surgical procedures for urology, gynecology, thoracic, and general surgeries.
With more than 150 new design innovations, da Vinci 5 expands upon core da Vinci system features, including wristed instruments, 3DHD visualization, intuitive motion, and an ergonomic design.
Key enhancements include:
- First-of-its-kind Force Feedback technology, which can reduce the amount of force on tissue
- Optimized vision with truer colors, higher image resolution, and the most realistic da Vinci 3D image
- Better ergonomics for greater surgeon comfort and surgical viewing
- More than 10,000x the computing power of da Vinci Xi to deliver actionable insights
As with all da Vinci surgical systems, the surgeon is 100% in control of the robotic-assisted da Vinci system, which translates their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body.
“The surgeon controls the movements and procedures for all surgeries,” explained Dr. Cynthia Geocaris, general and vascular surgeon with Surgical Associates of Neenah and Medical Director of ThedaCare’s Surgical Robotics Program. “These technologies allow the surgeon to perform minimally invasive surgery with smaller instruments, allowing them to conduct more thorough movements during procedures.”
Patients can benefit because smaller incisions often mean less pain, potentially shorter recovery times, and fewer days in the hospital, meaning they can get back to work or their activities faster.
“Patients are also supported by a multi-disciplinary team that works with them from the moment they come in for surgery, during surgery and in recovery,” said Dr. Geocaris. “This comprehensive approach can create a better experience and better outcomes, setting our patients up for success.”
Care in Rural Communities
In addition to the two new Da Vinci 5 surgical systems ThedaCare recently received, ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca will also be receiving a da Vinci Xi® surgical system in September.
“Each day, we strive to provide exceptional care close to home,” said Kellie Diedrick, ThedaCare Vice President of Critical Access Hospitals. “We understand that every community has its own unique characteristics and needs, and we believe people deserve high-level, comprehensive care wherever they choose to live.”
Offering robotic surgery to the rural communities near Waupaca can help reduce the need to travel long distances to receive pre- and post-operative care.
“For the people we serve, this can mean less time away from work and other priorities,” said Diedrick. “By offering additional surgery options close to home, it can also allow patients to be near family and friends, which can lead to improved recovery.”
Robotic surgery can offer a quicker path to returning to what matters most. Depending on individual circumstances, that may mean relieving the burden of taking time off of work or needing to find child care.
“With robotic surgery, there is the potential for less tension and less pain for the patient during recovery,” said Dr. Geocaris. “If all is well, the patient can potentially go home the same day as their surgery as compared to traditional techniques which would require hospitalization for pain control or other recovery factors, which is a great improvement in care.”
“We’re proud to open up new robotic surgery offerings, and expand the quality care we can deliver to all patients – including in our rural communities,” Diedrick.
The Board of Directors in Waupaca supported the funding for the da Vinci Xi® surgical system using funds generously provided by the community over the years to support strategic initiatives aimed at benefiting patients in Waupaca and the surrounding communities.
Robotic Surgery Success
ThedaCare’s general surgeons have expertise and advanced education and training in areas including trauma surgery or cancer care, which require high-level skills and expertise, particularly when injury or illness affects more than one area of the body.
ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah has achieved accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. This accreditation recognizes ThedaCare’s ongoing commitment and high standard of delivery of quality patient care and safety.
SRC is an internationally recognized, nonprofit, patient safety organization. Status as an accredited Center of Excellence means that ThedaCare has met nationally and internationally recognized standards for robotic surgery. Health care facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process.
In addition to the expansion of robotic surgery options in Waupaca, ThedaCare also offers robotic surgery at Appleton, Berlin, Neenah and Shawano hospitals.
“ThedaCare has long established itself as a national leader in robotic surgery,” said Dr. Geocaris. “To better serve the patient and our families, our teams continue to look for new ways to learn and grow through our surgery capabilities.”
Doctors from around the country have the opportunity to learn robotic surgery skills from ThedaCare’s expert surgeons in-person or through a remote learning hub.
“We have surgeons from all over the country coming to Northeast and Central Wisconsin to learn about how to do robotic surgery,” Dr. Geocaris said. “Many of those who come to the area to train decide to stay here, which is critical to helping Wisconsin retain the medical experts needed to help keep our community healthy and thriving.”
To learn more about ThedaCare’s robotic surgery options, please visit ThedaCare.org/services/general-surgery/.
