By Nita Wilkinson

There is a new member of the surgical team at Mary Rutan Hospital, and it doesn’t wear scrubs, doesn’t drink coffee and, presumably, has never complained about being on call.

It’s a robot. But before anyone imagines a machine taking over the operating room, there is an important distinction: the robot isn’t the surgeon. The surgeon is still very much in charge.

Mary Rutan Hospital has introduced robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci surgical system, bringing a technology more commonly associated with large medical centers to Logan County.

The first surgery has already been performed.

“It takes the whole health system a step forward,” said Chad Ross, Mary Rutan Health president and CEO.

Ross said the new technology is particularly exciting because of what it represents for the future of the hospital. Mary Rutan recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and Ross believes robotic-assisted surgery could be one of those milestones people look back on when the hospital celebrates its 200th.

“I’m sure this will be one of the things that will be highlighted at the 200-year mark,” he said. That may sound like a long way off, but the technology represents something very immediate for patients: another advanced surgical option without having to leave the area.

The da Vinci system is designed to help surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced visualization, precision and control.

The surgeon sits at a specialized console and controls the instruments used during the procedure. The system translates those movements into precise movements of the surgical instruments inside the patient. In other words, the robot isn’t making decisions; a highly-trained surgeon remains in complete control.

What the technology provides is an additional set of capabilities that can make minimally-invasive surgery possible in procedures where it may be appropriate. Depending on the procedure and the individual patient, robotic-assisted surgery may mean smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to normal activities.

Of course, robotic surgery isn’t automatically the right choice for every patient or every procedure. The decision is made by the patient and surgeon based on individual circumstances. Mary Rutan is currently using the system for select general surgery and gynecologic procedures.

There is one physician in particular who has been a driving force behind bringing the technology to Bellefontaine. Dr. Kelly Kirk (Ob/Gyn) has extensive training in robotic surgery and has become a champion for bringing the technology to Mary Rutan.

That expertise will allow her to perform minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries using the da Vinci system, potentially giving patients the benefits associated with robotic-assisted procedures while allowing them to receive their care close to home.