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CAMC was recently named a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery following a site visit by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC).
In notifying CAMC of its accreditation, SRC said, "Your achievement demonstrates an exemplary commitment to quality improvement and patient safety."
"Using a robot during a procedure has benefits for both the patient and surgeon," said Samuel Deem, DO, director of robotic surgery. "We continue to expand our program and train our residents and medical students on robotics."
CAMC launched the first multispecialty robotics surgery program in West Virginia in 2007 and now has three robots assisting surgeons.
Since 2007, surgical specialists practicing at CAMC have used robots for more than 6,300 procedures.
CAMC offers multiple procedures with each specialty including several oncologic procedures such as colon resection, esophageal cancer, lung cancers and mediastinal masses, prostate, bladder, kidney, hysterectomy, oophorectomy and lymph node removal for gynecological cancers.
In 2012 CAMC added a robot model that included a teaching console. This dual console allows the attending surgeon to maintain control of the procedure while directing the resident.
CAMC celebrated another robotic milestone when surgeons began using the da Vinci robot at CAMC Women and Children's Hospital in October 2019.
CAMC has two robots at CAMC Memorial Hospital and one at CAMC Women and Children's Hospital.
Why robotics?
Some of the benefits for surgeons using the robot versus traditional approaches have been greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization and improved access.
Patient benefits may include a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, less scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities.