DeKalb Hospital Marks 2,000 Robotic Surgeries Milestone

Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb has achieved a significant milestone by completing its 2,000th successful robotic-assisted surgery. This achievement follows a substantial investment of $15 million in surgical suite upgrades, including the addition of a second surgical robot, which enhances access to minimally invasive procedures.

The hospital has implemented the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, a technology that allows for more than half of its surgical procedures to be performed robotically. According to Dr. Stephen Goldman, a general surgeon at the hospital, this robotic-assisted platform replicates the precision of open surgery while using smaller incisions, resulting in quicker recovery times and reduced pain for patients. “What I would do with my hand, if I were doing an open traditional surgery, can now be done using the robot because the robot can match those results,” he explained.

The da Vinci system supports a variety of surgical procedures, including prostate, kidney, bladder, and gynecological operations, as well as general surgeries such as hernia repairs and bowel resections. This broad range underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing advanced surgical care close to home.

Maura O’Toole, president of Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, emphasized the importance of this development: “The completion of our surgical renovation and the addition of a second robotic surgery platform mark a significant milestone for our hospital and reflects our unwavering commitment to expanding access to world-class surgical care.” She noted that this investment facilitates the delivery of advanced, minimally invasive procedures to the local community.

Dr. Jack Wagoner, another general surgeon at the hospital, highlighted the prevalence of hernias among patients in the DeKalb and Sycamore areas. “We do see a lot of hernias in people who have physical jobs,” he said, indicating that laborers in the region often suffer from various types of hernias, including incisional and umbilical hernias. The availability of robotic-assisted surgery offers these patients advanced treatment options.

Surgeons control the da Vinci system from a console, which provides three-dimensional images of the surgical site. This capability allows for precise maneuvers with the robotic instruments, enhancing the overall surgical experience. Dr. Wagoner, who has been practicing since 1999, noted that transitioning to robotic-assisted surgery was relatively seamless for him, having previously trained in laparoscopic techniques. “It really is the next iteration of laparoscopic surgery,” he stated.

While robotic-assisted surgery may not be suitable for all patients, Dr. Wagoner observed that outcomes and recovery times are significantly improved compared to traditional methods. He pointed out that many patients undergoing robotic procedures, particularly for hernias, often do not require narcotics for pain management, a stark contrast to the pain experienced after open surgery.

Looking ahead, Dr. Goldman expressed optimism about future advancements in surgical technology. He remarked, “I think there’s more to come,” referencing the potential impact of artificial intelligence in the field. He underscored that these technologies serve as tools to enhance medical decision-making rather than replacements for traditional practices.

The da Vinci Xi Surgical System is not exclusive to Kishwaukee Hospital; it is also available at various locations within the Northwestern Medicine system, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. This network ensures that patients across the region can access cutting-edge surgical care.

As the demand for minimally invasive procedures continues to grow, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital’s commitment to investing in advanced surgical technology positions it as a leader in healthcare services in the DeKalb area and beyond.