As a leader in advance surgical technologies, Cuyuna Regional Medical Ceter in Crosby recently reached a milestone when General Surgeon Howard McCollister, M.D., completed the hopsital's 500th surgery using the da Vinci Robot Surgical System.
The da Vinci Robot enables specially trained surgeons to perform delicate and complex operations through tiny, one-to-two-centimeter incisions. Working at a console adjacent to the patient, the surgeon operates the robot’s precise surgical instruments using its high-definition 3D video camera with 10 times magnification. The system also has motion stabilization to maximize precision in the surgeon’s hand movement during the procedure. CRMC performed its first surgery with the da Vinci Robot in September 2018.
“Robotic surgery allows our surgeons to perform a controlled minimally invasive procedure with a detailed 3-D view, reducing the patient’s hospital stay and recovery time while optimizing the surgeon’s work environment,” said CRMC’s Director of Surgical Services Joni Gutknecht, R.N. “It’s exciting to know we’re offering patients this advanced surgical technology and they’re experiencing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery when they come to CRMC.”
Currently, the robot is used for General Surgery, Gynecology and Urology procedures.
“It’s an honor to be part of a such a specialized surgical team that is dedicated to putting the patient first,” said Dr. McCollister. “It takes a hospital-wide commitment to provide top quality care and an exceptional patient experience. With access to state-of-the-art technologies, we are able to get our patients back to their lives sooner.”
CRMC in 2020 achieved accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery and is one of three Minnesota hospitals recognized for providing the highest quality of care by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). General Surgeon Andrew Loveitt, D.O., also achieved accreditation as a Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery in 2020.