Norton Healthcare has expanded surgery services in Southern Indiana with the addition of a da Vinci Xi Surgical System at Norton Clark Hospital.

Story by: Angie Glotzbach on February 1, 2024

Norton Healthcare has expanded surgery services in Southern Indiana with the addition of a da Vinci Xi Surgical System at Norton Clark Hospital.

Victoria Locke, D.O., general surgeon, was the first to use the robotic system for hernia repair and a complex gallbladder surgery. Ronald Wright, M.D., OB/GYN, is next in line to use the da Vinci to assist with a hysterectomy and two tubal ligations.

“We are so excited to have this minimally invasive technology to enhance the skills of the talented surgeons at Norton Clark Hospital,” said Kathleen S. Exline, DNP, R.N., interim chief administrative officer, Norton Clark Hospital. “Our patients can have peace of mind knowing we are using advanced surgical tools to help our community members have the best possible outcomes and quicker healing times.”

Using the da Vinci system, the surgeon uses their hands to control surgical instruments and a camera that magnifies the surgical area 10 times greater than what the human eye sees. Tiny instruments move like a human hand but with greater range of motion to better perform intricate operations.

This minimally invasive tool benefits patients by potentially reducing pain, blood loss, risk for infection or complications, and scarring; and shortening hospital stays, thereby helping patients make a quicker return to normal activities.

Initially, the robotic-assisted system will be used for general, gynecology and urology surgeries, with more types of surgery to be added in the future.