News

Iredell Memorial Hospital (IMH) is breaking new ground by introducing the da Vinci XI robotic surgical system to Iredell County, the most advanced technology of its kind at any hospital in Statesville or surrounding areas.

Using the da Vinci XI, surgeons at IMH are able to perform complex procedures through small incisions, meaning less pain and a faster recovery time for patients. Unlike earlier models of the robot, the increased mobility of the XI virtually eliminates the need to move a patient during the surgery. The XI also includes a magnified vision system. A tiny camera sends 3D, HD images to a video monitor in the operating room to guide doctors during surgery.

"The surgeon is 100 percent in control of the da Vinci System at all times," said Kush Patel, MD, of Piedmont HealthCare Urology. Patel performs prostate, kidney and ureter surgeries using the XI at Iredell Memorial. "Our movements are translated into smaller, precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient's body."

The da Vinci XI is the foundation for a comprehensive robotic surgery program at IMH. As the robotics program director, Patel has worked vigorously to train the operating room staff along with nurse practitioner Dorothy Kozaar, who serves as the robotic program team lead. The hospital also recently renovated a surgical suite specifically for robotics.

"We have been able to establish a robotics program by providing trained staff to support a group of highly skilled surgeons," said Becky Quate, DNP, Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services for Iredell Health. "They have been able to perform a variety of procedures with excellent results."

"The machinery is excellent, but this is more than just new technology," said Patel. "The robotics program at IMH, from the facility to the staff, is a huge benefit to our community."

Other members of the robotics surgical team include James Foxworthy, MD, FACS and Stephen Rosser, MD, of Piedmont HealthCare – General Surgery. They perform minimally-invasive procedures including robotic hernia repairs. Sherma Morton, MD, of Piedmont HealthCare Women's Center, uses the XI for female gynecologic surgeries including, but not excluded to, benign hysterectomies and surgeries for endometriosis.

Members of the public are invited to see the da Vinci and the newly renovated surgical suite during an open house on Sunday, February 25 from 1 pm until 3 pm. Visitors will get to see a demonstration of the da Vinci and meet members of the Iredell Memorial robotics team. The address is 557 Brookdale Drive, Statesville.