Patients benefit from new high-tech surgical tool at Inland Hospital

Date: 05/16/2024

Northern Light Inland Hospital is finding new and innovative ways to enhance the care they deliver to their patients. Hospital officials are pleased to announce the addition of a new high-tech tool called the da Vinci Xi® surgical system.

The system features 3D robotic equipment that is controlled by the surgeon and is considered an extension of their hands. The surgeon guides the robot to make tiny incisions and provides high-definition 3D vision with the ability to magnify up to ten times the normal size. It will be used for a variety of minimally invasive surgical procedures at Inland Hospital, including gynecology, urology, and general surgeries.  

Nick Chobanian, MD, is Inland’s senior physician executive and a gynecologic surgeon. “This state-of-the-art tool for our surgeons is amazing technology. It provides a minimally invasive approach and extreme precision during the surgery. This means that patients who have surgery with this equipment will typically have less pain, a quicker recovery and return to work, and less risk for wound infections.”

George Elias, DO, who is Inland’s chief of Surgical Services and a surgeon with Northern Light Surgery in Waterville, trained on the robot during residency and fellowship. He says, “I am very excited that we now have robotic-assisted capabilities here at Inland. It’s another valuable asset as we continue to ensure high-quality surgical care for our community.”

On top of enhancing surgical care through innovation, Dr. Chobanian says there is another benefit to adding the robotic equipment and it relates to recruiting surgeons, which has been an ongoing challenge in rural areas like Maine. He notes that most surgical residents train on the robot now as the standard and are looking to work at hospitals that use the technology.  

For more information on minimally invasive surgical options at Inland Hospital visit, NorthernLightHealth.org/Inland or call 207.861.7874. 

Photo of Dr. George Elias at the surgical robot.