Da Vinci surgical robot helping surgeons in Arkansas | Here’s how

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — As technology continues to evolve, robots have been proving to be a big help in some professions— especially in the medical field. 

They allow surgeons to be more precise with their work. Now, the doctors and surgeons at Saint Mary’s Regional Health System in Russellville have a new piece of innovative tech to work with. 

At first glance, the robot might look like a video game, but it’s actually a helpful new tool.

“This is one of the options and one of the kinds of leading things in surgery right now that allows us to do more surgery here in the community that we would maybe otherwise have to send outside,” described Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris.

Through the use of small hand motions, doctors like Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris control the Da Vinci robot to precisely perform surgery. 

“Our [human] hands will only make 180-degree motion. And with the Da Vinci robot, you’re able to go 360 degrees. And so you have not only that range of motion, but you also have a much finer control,” she explained.

She also explained how it makes a big difference in their line of work.

“You can get really close to those blood vessels. You can really see where bleeding is coming from, or see where there is a blood vessel, and really isolate it. As opposed to, if you are looking kind of from afar or with the naked eye,” she added.

The use of the Da Vinci robot makes for a minimally invasive surgery. 

“[We use] smaller incisions, [there is] less post-operative pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. So it really helps, and it helps in several specialties, and general surgery is one of them,” Dr. Mateo Guarderas said.

Although he also explained how some patients have been somewhat apprehensive about the thought of a robot assisting with surgery, but he hopes to calm their fears. 

“The robot is just an instrument. It’s a tool,” he added.

It’s also a tool that will keep patients from going elsewhere for surgery.

“We were losing a lot of patients that were moving down, going down the road for this. Basically, so now we’re going to be able to keep patients here, close to home, and speed their recovery up and help them with their problems,” he added.

Members of the public interested in seeing the Da Vinci robot in action can do so at the Saint Mary’s Outpatient Services Lobby on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

They will also be unveiling the name of the robot at the event. 

If you’d like the opportunity to submit a name ahead of the big day,  you can do so by clicking here.