HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ( WHNT — The Crestwood Medical Center is introducing a new surgical robot that has the potential to reduce hospitalization times slightly.
The latest surgical robot aims to boost accuracy, control, and visibility, enabling doctors to perform complex operations via tiny cuts. This advancement might result in quicker discharges from hospitals, swifter recuperation periods, and diminished chances of medical issues arising.
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Dr. Ray Sheppard along with his team conducted the operation on Thursday morning following their training sessions aimed at facilitating a seamless adaptation to the updated system.
Sheppard stated, 'We practiced together as a team, brought in the coaches, and everything proceeded without a hitch.'
Sheppard compared the introduction of the new robot to receiving a brand-new iPhone.
Sheppard mentioned, 'There are several small additions that help us become somewhat more efficient. We're now using the surgical tools which enable us to achieve greater accuracy.'
Although the newest version, referred to as the DVF, is making its debut at Crestwood, the medical facility has been employing robotic aid during operations since 2012. The surgical team announced they had reached their 10,000th procedure involving robotics back in November 2024.
Sheppard mentioned that the advanced technology benefits both the medical practitioner and the individual undergoing treatment.
We observed that patients experience reduced pain levels, which generally leads to improved recoveries. Many of our procedures allow patients to be discharged on the same day," Sheppard stated. "With alternative surgical methods, patients could potentially require staying in the hospital for multiple nights.
Although some people worry about having robots present during surgery, Dr. Keith Jimenez stated that even though the robot aids the physician, the surgeon remains the one in charge.
We do mention to all our patients that we perform the surgery, with the robots providing assistance," Jimenez stated. "This particular robot offers us a sense of what’s really happening with the tissues.
Over two dozen doctors at Crestwood utilize robotic-assisted technology across various specialties such as general surgery, gynecology, urology, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery.
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