July 5, 2022 — Since the creation of Lee Health’s robotics program last year, the health care system has more than tripled its number of daVinci robots, has added a specialty neurosurgery robot, and now, is announcing the addition of two robots for orthopedic procedures.
The Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA® Hip and Knee System – located at both Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital – is a robotically-assisted surgical system designed to help perform total knee and hip replacement surgery. It includes features to assist with bone resections and assessing the state of soft tissues in order to facilitate implant positioning intraoperatively.
“Having a total knee replacement with the ROSA system has been life-changing. I had excruciating pain before having this surgery and, ever since my knee replacement, I’m feeling like I’m back to my old self.” said Diana Valenti.
Valenti suffered from severe pain in her left knee for years. Having already had a total knee replacement on her right knee through traditional surgery, she was excited to try a different, much less invasive option with robotic-assisted surgery.
“I have a unique perspective on the ROSA system because I had my other knee replaced years ago with traditional surgery, and the difference in pain and recovery has been like night and day. Having my knee done with the ROSA system has been wonderful – I’ve had a speedy recovery and much less pain than with my other knee. Knowing what I know now, I wish I could have had the robotic-assisted surgery on both of my knees.”
The ROSA robot system enables surgeons to use computer and software technology to control and move surgical instruments, allowing for greater precision and flexibility during procedures. The procedure is performed entirely by a surgeon who controls the system.
Because the procedure is minimally-invasive, patients generally experience less pain after surgery, have a quicker recovery and shorter length of stay in the hospital, and need less medication.
“The results I have seen in my patients have been nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. John Thompson, orthopedic surgeon. “We’re using this technology for total knee and hip replacements. We’re putting in top-of-the-line implants, but with more accuracy and less invasive surgery with the robot. My patients are telling me that their recovery has been much easier and faster than they expected.”
The addition of the two ROSA orthopedic robots compliments Lee Health’s robust robotics program, which is comprised of the ExcelsiusGPS®, a first of its kind robotic surgery in Southwest Florida for minimally-invasive spine and brain procedures, and seven da Vinci Xi Surgical Systems, which are designed to help surgeons perform minimally-invasive surgeries, such as colorectal surgeries and unique surgeries in the areas of gynecology, urology, ear nose and throat and general surgery.
“Robotic-assisted surgery is a huge benefit to our patients and, by continuing to bolster our program at Lee Health, fewer patients have had to leave the region to get this type of surgery,” said Dr. Fia Yi, Lee Health’s medical director of the System Robotics Program. “We are proud to bring this cutting-edge technology to the region, so our patients can get the care they need close to home.”
The addition of these value-enhancing services is made possible through donations from our community to the Lee Health Foundation, which works to bring novel and enhanced medical options to Southwest Florida, with the intention of improving care to and outcomes for our patients.
To learn more about Lee Health’s robotics program, visit www.leehealth.org.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.
