Source: USK w Rzeszowie

The Fryderyk Chopin University Clinical Hospital in Rzeszów (USK in Rzeszów) has launched a second da Vinci robotic surgery system, which has begun operating in the Department of Urology and Oncological Urology. The new device will enable further development of modern treatment methods and expansion of the range of procedures performed in various surgical specialties.

"Last year alone, we performed 689 robotic procedures in urology, gynecology, and surgery. We are the best hospital in Poland in terms of the use of a single robotic system and one of the best in Europe. We are also the center that certifies the most operators in the Podkarpackie Province to perform robotic procedures. Every year, we train more doctors, and that is our plan for the future," says Marcin Rusiniak, director of the USK in Rzeszów.

The importance of the second robot for the development of oncological treatment is emphasized by the head of the Clinic of Urology and Oncological Urology, Krzysztof Balawender, MD, PhD, professor at the University of Rzeszów.

"This is a very important day not only for the hospital, but for the entire region. Two active robotic systems allow us to significantly increase the number of procedures performed and develop the most advanced oncological surgery."

There are currently eight certified teams operating with the da Vinci robotic system at the USK in Rzeszów. The second system means greater availability of procedures, the possibility of performing up to 16 operations per week, and further training for additional doctors.

“The Rzeszów center has achieved one of the highest rates of robot use in Europe. Over the years of the program's operation, there have been no conversions of procedures for technical reasons, which demonstrates the stability and safety of the system,” emphasized Artur Ostrowski, member of the management board of Synektik S.A., distributor of da Vinci systems.

Dr. Jakub Kempisty is responsible for the organization of the Podkarpackie Center for Robotic Surgery, and he emphasizes the importance of staff training.

"The teaching process is multi-stage and begins with work on simulators. Only then do doctors enter the operating room under supervision. The condition for obtaining a certificate is to perform 50 procedures. Thanks to the two systems, it is possible to treat patients and intensively train new teams at the same time. We want to create a highly specialized center covering more and more areas of robotic surgery."

The USK in Rzeszów uses the robotic system under a lease agreement and has committed to performing a set number of procedures and covering the costs of service and tools. At the same time, further development of robotic surgery is planned—thoracic surgeons are also expected to join the urology, gynecology, and surgery teams in the future.

fot. Michał Święcicki