It’s interesting to imagine life 130 years ago, in 1894, and wonder what our founding ancestors would think about the medical technology we’re using at Winona Health today.
The field of surgery has evolved through the years, from the days when only open surgery was an option, to the advancement of laparoscopic procedures and now, robotic-assisted surgery.
“Surgery across the field is becoming less invasive, and robotic-assisted surgery is the technology that is making that possible,” said Winona Health General Surgeon Colin Kennedy, MD. Winona Health brought robotic surgery technology to the Winona community in January 2023.
The robotic technology is impressive, but it takes the skill of our highly trained and knowledgeable surgeons to put that technology to use to benefit patients. With robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon is still in control of the entire procedure.
“Think of the surgical robot as an extension of our hands,” said Dr. Kennedy. “The robot provides all the dexterity of our hands and does exactly what we make it do, but because the tools are so much smaller, it allows us to perform the surgery through very small incisions.”
The robotic tools include a camera that gives the surgeon a high-definition, 3-dimensional view of the surgical site, which allows them to see exactly what they need to see in incredible detail. And an extra “arm” provides an additional tool – like giving the surgeon control of an extra hand. “It allows us to be our own assistant,” explained Dr. Kennedy. In the simplest example, it’s like being able to put your own finger on the knot when you’re trying to tie a ribbon tight around a gift.
For patients, the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include reduced pain, lower risk of infection, less blood loss, less scarring and a faster return to normal activities.
“Any time we have a patient who needs surgery, we’re thinking about the best way to approach the procedure for that patient,” said Dr. Kennedy. “Sometimes that means using the robot, sometimes that means doing an open surgery, sometimes that means doing a traditional laparoscopic surgery. But our goal is always the same – and that’s to have the best possible outcome and the quickest recovery for the patient.”
From our beginning in a home renovated into a hospital in 1894, to performing robotic-assisted surgical procedures today, generations of caregivers at Winona Health have carried on our founders’ commitment to local care. Their innovative spirit runs through us. As we continue to celebrate 130 years, we believe they would be amazed and proud of how we are continuing to care for our community and carry on their legacy.
Our local board of directors is committed to stewarding our resources wisely and investing in technology that benefits of our community. Yet, no matter the technological advancements to come, we never lose sight of providing personal care, one person at a time. Because we know in our hearts the best possible care happens as it always has – when we are there for each other in the moments that matter.
Colin Kennedy, MD
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