Client News: First Robot-Assisted Surgery Performed at T.J. Samson Community Hospital

Source: T.J. Sampson Community Hospital Press Release

Pictured is the surgical team that assisted Dr. Peterson.  Left to right:  Blenda Chapman, RN, Surgical Services Director; Kate Kiene, Surgical Tech; Jordan Matthews, Endoscopy Tech; Ashley Cope, Surgical Tech; Sara Wheeler, RN; Miranda Kerr, Surgical Tech; Beth Reid, RN, OR Coordinator; Derrick Scott, Surgical Tech; Bonnie Eubank, Anesthesia Tech; Cami Church, RN.

The first robot-assisted surgery was performed at T.J. Samson Community Hospital on Thursday, May 19^th.  Dr. Gilman Peterson performed 3 outpatient gall bladder procedures using the da Vinci® Surgical System.

The da Vinci da Vinci Surgical System is minimally invasive which will allow the patient to recover much quicker.

Dr. Peterson stated “the cases went well and the surgical team did a fantastic job.  This morning the team members were excited about utilizing the training they’ve received.”  Dr. Peterson went on to say that “with this technology, procedures can be accomplished better than in the past and that it’s a tremendous benefit to the patients.”

Dr. Peterson also spoke to his patients about being the first to use the new technology at T.J. Samson Community Hospital.  “They were excited and delighted to be the first patients.  I made sure they understood that the robot is a tool that the surgeon utilizes during the surgery and that he would be controlling the entire procedure.”

Blenda Chapman, RN, Director of Surgical Services said “the staff has done dry runs and they were ready to go.  It was just like any other day in the OR for them.”

Two surgical teams at T.J. Samson were trained in the utilization of the daVinci robot.  A team consists of 4 technicians and 2 registered nurses.  The staff indicated that the procedure is similar to a laparoscopic procedure, with just more advance capabilities.

Bill Kindred, CEO stated “We believe that the new features of the da Vinci System will help us provide the best possible outcomes and is proof of our commitment to provide our community access to the latest advancements in minimally invasive surgery.”

The da Vinci Surgical System can be used for a multitude of inpatient and outpatient procedures including prostatectomy, hysterectomy and colorectal surgery just to name a few.