Oaklawn Hospital Adds Third Surgical Robot, Expanding Patient Access

Oaklawn Hospital has expanded its robotic surgery program with a third daVinci5 surgical system, bringing advanced minimally invasive procedures to more patients in Battle Creek and surrounding communities. The addition means smaller incisions, less pain and shorter recovery times for those undergoing surgery.

The hospital added the new robotic system this spring, according to a community announcement. The Oaklawn Hospital technology is used in general surgery, gynecology and urology.

Expansion Allows More Procedures

Dr. Catherine Burtrum said the expansion will help surgeons and staff work more efficiently while broadening access to minimally invasive procedures.

"Originally, it was used by urology and gynecology, and then as we saw the benefit coming through with general surgery cases, we started looking into that and getting trained," Burtrum said. "Oaklawn has been great in helping us to have just the best technology that they have available out there."

Burtrum said each upgrade has made a noticeable difference in the operating room, especially compared with traditional laparoscopic surgery.

"It is night and day," Burtrum said. "Each upgrade is night and day in being able to perform procedures quicker. The difference between laparoscopic and robotic is also night and day, from your ability to see to your ability to do more robotically than you can laparoscopically. We're seeing less conversion to open, which, if a patient has to be opened the old fashioned way with a big incision, can be really life-altering to them."

Improved Flexibility for Surgeons and Staff

Theresa Dawson, Oaklawn's chief nursing officer, said the addition of a third daVinci robot has improved flexibility for surgeons and staff. Instead of waiting for one robot to open up or reshuffling schedules around it, surgeons can plan cases more efficiently and Oaklawn can handle more procedures.

"It allows flexibility so that we don't have to schedule around the use of another robot," Dawson said. "So if I have an emergent case or an elective case, the surgeons don't have to worry about rearranging their blocks or waiting for one to be done and moved into the next room so they can schedule ahead of time, and they can add additional so it's additional cases and more convenience for the surgeons."

Health Equity and 24/7 Access

Burtrum said Oaklawn's investment goes beyond the robot itself. It also reflects training and staffing that allow patients to receive robotic surgery when it is the best option, even after hours.

"One of the nice things is the health equity of everybody being able to use the robot," Burtrum said. "We are able to use the robot in the middle of the night. It doesn't matter if a patient comes in at 1 a.m. if using the robot is what is best for them, everybody here is trained and we get it done robotically."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What new technology has Oaklawn Hospital added?
A: Oaklawn Hospital has added a third daVinci5 surgical robot, expanding its robotic surgery program for general surgery, gynecology and urology procedures.

Q: What are the benefits of robotic surgery at Oaklawn?
A: Robotic surgery offers patients smaller incisions, less pain, shorter recovery times, and less likelihood of conversion to open surgery with larger incisions.

Q: Is robotic surgery available 24/7 at Oaklawn Hospital?
A: Yes, Oaklawn has trained staff available around the clock, meaning patients can receive robotic surgery at any time, including emergency cases at 1 a.m., if it is the best option for them.