UP Health System – Portage Announces New Robotic-Assisted Surgical System

UP Health System – Portage (UPHS – Portage), a part of Lifepoint Health, is excited to unveil its new Robotic-Assisted Surgical System. This innovative and safe alternative to traditional open surgery provides greater precision with many benefits for both patients and surgeons. This is made possible by a more than $2 million investment from Lifepoint Health.

Robotic-assisted surgery utilizes smaller incisions and few surgical movements, which can lessen postoperative pain for patients and can result in quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays and reduced complications from blood loss and infection. Using the da Vinci system, a trained surgeon is in the operating room with their patient, seated at a console with full control over the small robotic instruments that enable them to perform precise and complex surgery through very small surgical incisions.

The da Vinci robot was recently installed, with its first surgical procedure scheduled for Thursday, September 12. Abdominal and gynecological surgeries —including hysterectomy, treatment of endometriosis and uterine fibroids,  gallbladder removal, appendix removal and hernia repair — are currently being offered at UPHS – Portage utilizing the robotic system, with opportunities for growth as more surgeons undergo training.

“We’re excited to bring the robotic surgical system to our patients in the Keweenaw,” said Donna McMullen, director of perioperative and anesthesia services at UPHS – Portage. “It will help our surgeons ensure precision and enhance surgical outcomes for patients. It’s a big step for our area and helps keep our patients close to home for the care they need.”

The robot allows a surgeon's hand movements to be scaled, filtered, and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments at the surgical site. The magnified, high-resolution, three-dimensional view the surgeon experiences enables them to perform precise and complex surgery through very small surgical incisions. The surgeon is 100 percent in control of the robotic system. The 3D-HD image can be magnified up to ten times so the surgeon has a close-up view of the area he or she is operating on, and the robotic instruments have mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist — allowing your surgeon to make small, precise movements inside your body.

Having utilized robotics in prior roles, Obstetrician and Gynecologist Evon Schexnaydre, MD, has been a strong advocate for the implementation of this system at UPHS – Portage.

“We are very excited about the addition of the robotic system to our portfolio of surgical offerings,” said Schexnaydre. “I see a lot of patients suffering in pain and in need of surgical intervention. Sometimes, they’ll delay necessary treatment out of fear. For patients who are good candidates for robotic surgery, this is a great option and one that can help ease their worries since it’s minimally invasive.” 

UPHS – Portage CEO Ryan Heinonen and hospital leadership identified this technology as part of an ever-growing strategy to enhance patient care and safety and have worked hard to bring this option to patients in the Copper Country.

“At UPHS – Portage, we're committed to providing high-quality healthcare options for our community,” said Heinonen. “We want our patients to explore and understand all options available to them and know they can get outstanding care close to home. We’re very proud to have this new technology in our surgical arsenal.”

Additionally, UPHS – Portage will be hosting a “Meet the Robot” event from 5-7 pm on October 2 at the hospital’s main campus for members of the public to see the surgical system and ask questions. There will be an interactive, hands-on opportunity for the community to try out the equipment as well as a demonstration by one of the trained surgeons. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

To learn more about robotic-assisted surgery at UP Health System – Portage, visit UPHealthSystem.com.