Wilson Medical Center is pleased to announce an addition to its surgical services offerings, as the first three robotic da Vinci Xi surgeries have been performed at the facility. The robot, located tableside in the operating room, allows a surgeon's hand movements to be scaled, filtered, and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments at the surgical site.  
 
“At Wilson Medical Center, we’re committed to providing innovative and safe alternatives to traditional open surgery, whenever possible,” said CEO Mark Holyoak. “Whether we're using robotic-assisted technology or other minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, we want you to explore and understand all of your options knowing that we are prepared to care for you every step of the way.”   
 
At Wilson Medical Center, our general surgeons, urologists, gynecologists, and pulmonologist will be able to perform precise and complex surgery through very small surgical incisions, which can mean shorter recovery times and hospital stays for our patients. The surgeon is 100% in control of the robotic system. The 3D-HD image can be magnified up to ten times so the surgeon has a close-up view of the area he or she is operating on, and the robotic instruments have mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist -- allowing your surgeon to make small, precise movements inside your body.  
 
Dr. Jordan Shealy, a general surgeon who has trained in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, performed each of the first three surgeries.

“We are very excited about the addition of the robotic system to our portfolio of surgical offerings at Wilson Medical Center,” Dr. Shealy said. “Not everyone is a candidate for robotic surgery, however, and patients should consult with their doctor about the best surgical method for them individually.” 

To become skilled in robotic surgery, a surgeon must complete specific training protocols including didactic and hands-on training with Intuitive and/or during residency training.

“I’m excited to bring this technology to the Wilson Community,” Wilson Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ron Stahl said. “We have very skilled surgeons who have the skills to use this in order to help patients recover quicker from surgeries.”