Resolute Baptist Hospital welcomes its most advanced surgical robot

Investment in new technology benefits New Braunfels physicians and community

(New Braunfels, TX, September 20, 2019) – With its 3D, high-definition vision, laser-precise dexterity and meticulous maneuvers, Resolute Baptist Hospital’s (RHH) most advanced surgical robot arrived in style and with much anticipation. RHH administrators, physicians and staff recently welcomed the addition of the daVinci® Xi to their Operating Room arsenal where it will assist surgeons in both complex and routine procedures and benefit patients.

As New Braunfels population continues to experience record growth, Mark Bernard, CEO of RHH, said the timing was right for the hospital to acquire the new technology.

“New Braunfels is the second fastest growing city in the nation, which means more people and families are choosing to live and work in our city,” Bernard said. “Our goal is to remain on pace and well prepared to care for families at all stages of their health care needs. Our new surgical robot will allow our doctors the ability to meet the demand for high-quality, surgical care for New Braunfels and the surrounding area,” he said.

Like the earlier model, the Xi comes with all the bells and whistles but with more flexibility and new, advanced features for its users including a multiple quadrant workspace rather than a single quadrant. Greg DeArmond, M.D., general surgeon at RHH, said the new robot provides support that will benefit both surgeons and patients.

“This technology is faster and more efficient in the OR so patients can be in and out of surgery and anesthesia faster and safely,” Dr. DeArmond said. “The robot has the ability to move its arms and wrists in ways that are beyond what any human can achieve,” he added. “This provides for precise dissection of tissue and allows for smaller incisions to achieve successful minimally invasive outcomes,” he said.

Spencer Skelton, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon who practices at RHH, agreed adding that the robot’s console allows surgeons to be seated while operating. “We can sit and achieve surgical precision but without the fatigue that can arise during certain procedures when we’d typically have to stand for long periods of time,” he said.

In addition to gynecologic, urologic, head and neck, cardiac, thoracic and general surgeries, Teresa Irwin, M.D., a urogynocologist and reconstructive pelvic specialist at RHH, said the Xi will provide patients with even more options in regards to minimally invasive procedures available. Compared with traditional surgery, robotic surgery may achieve:

• A shorter hospital stay
• Less blood loss
• Fewer complications
• Faster recovery
• Less need for narcotic pain medicine
• Smaller incisions for minimal scarring

Mark Bernard, RHH CEO, reiterated the importance of having this new technology. “The New Braunfels community deserves greater options for high-quality care close to home,” Bernard said. “We are proud to make this investment in the health and well-being of our community now and for the future,” he said.