Carbondale Reporter

SIH Herrin Hospital has announced the introduction of the da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted surgical system, marking a new phase in their ability to perform minimally invasive surgeries. This advanced technology is now available for patients in Southern Illinois, offering them access to high-quality medical care without needing to travel far.

The da Vinci Xi system provides surgeons with enhanced precision and control during operations. It utilizes small instruments for greater dexterity compared to traditional open or standard laparoscopic surgeries. Although the system employs robotic technology, surgeons maintain full control from a console, which translates their hand movements into precise actions by the robotic instruments within the patient's body. The system's 3DHD visualization offers a magnified view of the operating area, allowing complex procedures to be performed with minimal trauma.

Patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgeries can expect several benefits over traditional methods: smaller incisions resulting in less scarring, reduced blood loss due to minimized tissue damage, and quicker recovery times with less pain. "Robotic-assisted surgery is a game-changer for our community," stated SIH Endourologist and Chief of Surgery Don Arnold, MD.

The hospital will now offer a variety of procedures using this technology across multiple specialties including general surgery (such as hernia repair), bariatric surgery (like gastric sleeve), oncologic surgery (cancer-related), and urologic surgery (prostate operations).

This addition builds on SIH’s established program at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. With 18 robotically-trained surgeons across its campuses in Herrin and Carbondale, SIH operates the largest program of its kind in Southern Illinois.

To celebrate this advancement, SIH Herrin Hospital will host an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The event will include tours of the operating room featuring the da Vinci Xi system and hands-on demonstrations with its simulator.