- [Anchor 1] Robotic surgery,
also known as robot-assisted surgery,
allows doctors to perform many types
of really complex procedures
with more precision, flexibility and control
than possible with conventional techniques.
- And today, Dr. Rachel Hailey of HCA Midwest Health
will update us a little bit
about the different types of surgeries
and the different procedures that can be performed.
So, Dr. Hailey, thank you for being here with us,
first of all.
So we understand that robotic procedures
and surgeries increased nearly 40% in the past two years,
but we've also seen some decreases.
So laparoscopic decreased by about 10%,
open surgery procedures decreased by about 27%.
Why is robotic such a good option?
- It is truly amazing.
The robotic surgery technology
offers greater visual clarity,
and physicians and surgeons can use it for,
like you mentioned, improved accuracy
for positioning and control of the surgical instruments.
And this leads to better patient outcomes.
HCA Midwest Health has a unique position
in the Kansas City market with our robotics program.
We have over 100 highly trained physicians,
surgeons and support staff,
and we have 28 robotic systems in six of our hospitals.
- [Anchor 1] Wow.
- [Rachel] And the benefits
of minimally invasive robotic surgery
include less blood loss, less pain,
which means less pain medication.
Additionally, patients often get back
to their prior level of activities sooner.
- [Anchor 1] It's like a no-brainer, right?
- [Rachel] Yeah.
- Tell us about some of the types of surgeries
that you can get that are robot-assisted.
- There are several types.
There are many outpatient, minimally invasive surgeries,
but there are also more complex procedures being done.
And we've got some of the first-to-market colorectal,
gynecologic, orthopedic, bariatric,
and neurosurgical procedures.
- And I mean, this probably takes a lot of work too
for the doctors.
Some people might think, oh, it's easier,
but I'm sure it takes a lot of training too, right?
- Oh, absolutely.
I can't even imagine how long,
but we've got so many doctors
that are capable of doing this.
In fact, at the neuro medical center,
we've got the Neuroscience and Orthopedic Center
that helps patients with these procedures,
and they get dedicated, specialized care
from highly trained, not only surgeons,
but nurses and support staff.
- [Anchor 2] And this is called ROSA.
So can you explain to us what ROSA is?
- [Rachel] Oh, ROSA is robotic surgical assistant,
and it compliments an orthopedic surgeon
so that they can improve their ability
to do a knee replacement.
It's considered the next generation
of knee replacement surgery
because it combines leading edge robotics technology
and leading edge knee replacements
to create a better fit, feel, and improve longevity.
- [Anchor 2] Yeah, wow.
- [Anchor 1] And Dr. Hailey,
you actually had a spine injury,
a very serious spine injury yourself.
How did it help your situation?
But also can you share how minimally invasive surgery
can help a spine patient with a less complex issue as well?
- Oh, you bet.
I wish I had been able to have a simple robotic surgery,
but I was blessed to be able to have an HCA neurosurgeon
help me get back to my family and my career.
But our spine surgeons are incredible.
And with the use of the robotics,
they can help some patients who have spinal deformities,
traumatic injuries, and spine instability,
provide them with minimally invasive robotic surgeries
that give them pain relief and quicker recovery times,
and they're out of the hospital sooner.
- [Anchor 1] Wow, that's pretty amazing.
- Well, thank you so much for joining us
and for sharing a little bit about your experience as well.
- Absolutely. - For more information
about robotic surgery,
you can head to hcamidwest.com.
And there you can also find a doctor, closest ERs,
as well in urgent cares near you.