Montgomery County Memorial Hospital + Clinics is targeting October for the arrival of a da Vinci robotic surgical system.
Hospital officials said the timeline remains dependent on completing a contract with the state before MCMH can proceed with the purchase.
The system may be used for gynecological, urological and general surgical procedures. Potential procedures include hysterectomies, gallbladder removal, appendix surgery and certain bowel and bladder operations.
The surgeon remains in control of the equipment and performs the operation from a nearby console. Nurses, surgical technicians and other members of the operating room team remain with the patient throughout the procedure.
Hospital staff will receive specialized training before the system is placed into service. Some employees are expected to complete training in Chicago, followed by supervised operating experience.
MCMH plans to place the system in its largest operating room. Major construction is not expected, although the hospital will need to complete electrical work, rearrange some procedural space and purchase specialized sterilization equipment.
A traveling demonstration version of the da Vinci system is expected to be displayed during the hospital foundation’s golf tournament in September, giving participants an opportunity to see the technology firsthand.
