Robotic surgery program hits 10,000th procedure milestone

Megan Mulholland, RN, BSN, prepares an Operating Room and robot for a Robotic Prostatectomy at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Megan Mulholland, RN, BSN, prepares an Operating Room and robot for a Robotic Prostatectomy at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. CREDIT UIHC

The Perioperative Robotics Program at UI Health Care recently marked a milestone with its 10,000th soft-tissue surgery conducted through robotics. According to a news release from UIHC, the program is performing approximately 100 cases per month, thanks to the collaborative work of the surgical specialties and expanded training programs for nurses and residents.

“Robotic procedures are done across all surgical disciplines for patients in need of surgery—many of whom have cancer,” says David Bender, medical director of robotic surgery. “Urology, gynecologic oncology, thoracic oncology, general surgery and otolaryngology are among the specialties using this technology every day.

“We are able to offer a wider variety of surgical procedures to patients and are witnessing undeniable benefits to them when we use the robot.”

Team members with the UI Health Care Perioperative Robotics Program.
Team members with the UI Health Care Perioperative Robotics Program. CREDIT UIHC

In all, 14 UI Health Care sub-specialties have surgeons currently using the soft-tissue robots:

  • Acute Care Surgery
  • Bariatrics
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Colorectal
  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Obstetrics-Gynecology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Thoracic
  • Transplant
  • Urogynecology
  • Urology
  • Urology-Pediatrics

Some of the benefits of robotic surgery include shorter hospital stays, lower rates of infection, less blood loss, and less postoperative pain.