New Atrium Health Navicent Robot Increases Capacity for Minimally-invasive Surgeries
More than 900 robotic surgeries were performed at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center in 2022A leader in robotics surgery in central Georgia for 15 years, Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center has added a third Intuitive Da Vinci robot to increase capacity for minimally-invasive surgeries.
“Using a robot as a tool, surgeons can utilize finer, more precise movements than allowed using laparoscopic instruments, and often make smaller incisions, resulting in safer surgeries and faster recovery times for patients,” said Dr. Danny Vaughn, an Atrium Health Navicent general and bariatric surgeon who also serves as Atrium Health Navicent’s director of robotic surgery. “By adding a third robot, we’re showing a commitment to making top technology and techniques available for patients here, close to home.”
Having a third robot also allows Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center to now offer robotic surgery for emergency and critical care procedures such as hernia cases with obstructions, complicated gallbladder surgeries and abdominal wall and diaphragm procedures. Other common surgeries utilizing surgery robots include gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, prostatectomy and gynecological procedures.
“The optics are incredible and the ergonomics of the instruments allows for near similar dexterity as if you were using your own hands,” said Dr. Benjie Christie, an Atrium Health Navicent critical care surgeon. “The robotic technology makes harder procedures easier for the provider, therefore safer for the patients, which leads to quicker recovery times.”
In 2022, physicians performed more than 900 robotic surgeries at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center. Having a third robot also increases availability for surgeons to train – working with a skilled surgeon – to grow their skillset. Trainees can be in the middle of the 3D action, as opposed to watching from a distance.
In addition to Atrium Health Navicent surgeons, community physicians trained in robotics schedule their surgeries at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center to offer minimally invasive options for their patients.
“Robotic surgery is the future, and Atrium Health Navicent is on the leading edge,” Vaughn said. “With the benefits to surgeons and patients, it’s a win-win to schedule a procedure at a hospital that’s made this commitment to quality and the safest patient outcomes.”
To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.”
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.