Banner Wyoming Medical Center in Casper has unveiled a state-of-the-art surgical system, marking a significant advancement in healthcare for the state, Wyoming News Now reports.
The new “Da Vinci 5” robotic surgical system is the first of its kind in Wyoming and will be used for various robotic-assisted surgeries, including procedures in colorectal surgery, gynecology, and urology.
The hospital was the first in Wyoming to introduce the Da Vinci robotic systems back in 2008, and the addition of the Da Vinci 5 builds on that legacy. This new technology is designed to enhance the precision of surgeons, with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
Lance Porter, CEO of Banner Wyoming Medical Center, explained that the hospital already has experienced surgeons using the current robotic systems. The new Da Vinci 5 will add an extra layer of advanced technology to further optimize care.
“There are some surgeons that have been doing robotic surgery on our current robots, they’re great at it, very efficient, and this adds just a little bit of extra technology to help them provide better care,” Porter said.
One notable feature of the Da Vinci 5 is its tactile feedback, which was previously unavailable in robotic surgery. Dr. Aimee Gough, a surgeon at the hospital, highlighted this improvement, saying:
“What this new robot brings is some tactile feedback which we haven’t had before in surgeries. You don’t have to use your eyes to see how much tissue is being compressed to know how hard you’re pushing. Now the instruments actually have this force feedback, where you can feel the tension, which gives you even more precision when you’re working inside the body.”
Both Porter and Dr. Gough emphasized that the introduction of the Da Vinci 5 not only enhances surgical capabilities but also allows patients to remain in Wyoming for advanced care that was once only available in larger cities like Denver or Salt Lake City.
“This is just one more example of ways that we’re bringing what you might only have in Denver, or in Salt Lake, but now we have it here in Casper,” Dr. Gough noted.
“Wyoming patients can stay in Wyoming, they don’t have to go to Denver, and their families don’t have to follow them in Denver and rent a hotel. They can receive care right here, in Wyoming, with the highest technology that’s available,” Porter added.
