Rutland Hospital Unveils Da Vinci 5 Robot for 95% of Surgeries

Rutland Regional Medical Center unveiled its first surgical robot on Sunday. The hospital introduced the Da Vinci 5 system, a tool designed for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. The machine allows doctors to perform procedures without large incisions.

Dr. Daniel Wigmore, a general surgeon who joined RRMC last month, said the robot brings advanced care to a community hospital setting. "We can offer the most advanced care that’s usually reserved for academic tertiary medical centers, right here at our local community hospital," Wigmore said. He noted that having the technology was a key factor in his decision to work in Rutland.

The robot will primarily assist with general, urological, and gynecological procedures. Dr. Michael Hurtado, another general surgeon at the hospital, stated the system will likely be used in about 95% of the surgeries he performs. He explained that the robot overcomes physical limitations of the human hand during these operations.

Hurtado described the difference in movement. "A human hand can only turn the wrist 180 degrees or so; with the robot, we’ll have over 500 degrees of rotation," he said. The manufacturer, Intuitive, reports that the robot applies 43% less force than a human hand. This precision is intended to result in smoother surgeries and easier recovery for patients.

Dr. Michael DiMeola, chair of the RRMC surgery department, said the hospital chose the Da Vinci 5 because it is the most advanced robotic surgical platform available. He explained that cost savings come from shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain, and lower complication rates. "Where the benefit really comes in with cost savings is shorter hospital lengths of stay, less post-operative pain and lower rates of complication," DiMeola said.

The system uses artificial intelligence to track data and coach surgeons after procedures, though the robot itself is not AI-powered. It does allow multiple surgeons to watch and advise in real time. Wigmore said the hospital can call colleagues to see exactly what the operating surgeon sees. "We’re able to call our colleagues and have them see exactly what we are seeing during the midst of the operation to garner support and get a second opinion," Wigmore said.

RRMC joins four other hospitals in Vermont that use surgical robots. Hospital leaders said the technology helps recruit surgeons and places the facility on par with larger centers. The first operation using the new robot is scheduled for next week.