Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center uses new technology to train surgeons virtually

Orlando, Fla. (April 22, 2022) – Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center is on the cutting edge of virtual training for surgeons in robotic-assisted surgery techniques. Orlando Health ORMC uses the Intuitive Telepresence Platform to train and mentor surgeons and surgical teams throughout the state, across the country, and around the world.

The addition of the new technology strengthens the hospital’s distinction as a leader in robotic surgery with its 2,000 such surgeries in fiscal year 2021, and as a designated da Vinci robotic surgery case observation site. Case observation site selection is based on a surgeon’s expertise, experience, and excellent outcomes. Criteria includes a requirement of more than 700 cases using the da Vinci technology, made by Intuitive. Annually, less than two percent of all active surgeons in the United States qualify.

“As leaders in the field of teaching innovative surgical techniques, we embrace the opportunity to help surgeons increase their knowledge and skills,” said Alexis Sanchez, MD, MS, MBA, senior director, Robotic Surgery Program, Orlando Health. “Peer-to-peer learning and development is a key factor in surgical education and in making surgical procedures safer for patients.”

The surgeon-led education experience takes place using the telepresence platform that features two-way audio and video communication. While the surgeon performs the procedure, observation participants can select from multiple camera angles for up-close views of the surgical system and tools. In addition, the surgeon performing the procedure can use a tablet view to show participants more specific views.

“While virtual, this platform closely resembles in-person surgery case observations,” said Dr. Sanchez. “The experience eliminates the time and cost constraints of travel, while allowing for needed ongoing training. Surgeons are able to continue their commitment to learning without leaving their location.”

Orlando Health ORMC will use the platform for bariatric and thoracic surgeries – two surgical specialties marked by growth in robotic surgery in recent years.

Luis Herrera, MD, thoracic surgeon, medical director of the Rod Taylor Thoracic Care Center at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, and Andre Teixeira, MD, bariatric surgeon, Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute are the expert surgeons leading the surgery case observations.

Robotic-assisted surgery is an advanced minimally invasive technology for patients. Benefits include smaller incisions, less trauma, shorter recovery time, and quicker return to normal activities. For surgeons, the benefits include more precise instruments, increased vision, and total control of more aspects of the operation.

Orlando Health offers robotic-assisted surgery in the following surgical specialties: colorectal surgery, gynecologic oncology surgery, gynecologic surgery, head and neck surgery, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, robotic general surgery, thoracic surgery, urogynecologic surgery, urologic surgery, and weight loss/bariatric surgery.

About Orlando Health

Orlando Health, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is a not-for-profit healthcare organization with $7.6 billion of assets under management that serves the southeastern United States.

Founded more than 100 years ago, the healthcare system is recognized around the world for its pediatric and adult Level One Trauma program as well as the only state-accredited Level Two Adult Trauma Center in the St. Petersburg region. It is the home of the nation’s largest neonatal intensive care unit under one roof, the only system in the southeast to offer open fetal surgery to repair the most severe forms of spina bifida, the site of an Olympic athlete training facility and operator of one of the largest and highest performing clinically integrated networks in the region. Orlando Health has pioneered life-changing medical research and its Graduate Medical Education program hosts more than 350 residents and fellows. The 3,200-bed system includes 16 wholly-owned hospitals and emergency departments; rehabilitation services, cancer and heart institutes, imaging and laboratory services, wound care centers, physician offices for adults and pediatrics, skilled nursing facilities, an in-patient behavioral health facility, home healthcare services in partnership with LHC Group, and urgent care centers in partnership with FastMed Urgent Care. Nearly 4,500 physicians, representing more than 90 medical specialties and subspecialties have privileges across the Orlando Health system, which employs more than 23,000 team members. In FY21, Orlando Health served nearly 160,000 inpatients and nearly 3.6 million outpatients. During that same time period, Orlando Health provided approximately $648 million in total value to the communities it serves in the form of charity care, community benefit programs and services, community building activities and more. Additional information can be found at http://www.orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @orlandohealth.