New robotic surgery system at Farragut hospital allows surgeons to feel instrument
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — One of the potential drawbacks of robotic surgery is that a surgeon has to rely on visual information to determine how much force to use with their instruments, but a new robotic surgery system at Turkey Creek Medical Center will allow surgeons to feel the push and pull of their instruments while completing robotic surgeries.
Tennova Healthcare announced on Tuesday that Turkey Creek Medical Center had acquired a new, sophisticated robotic system. The new system will offer more than 150 enhancements over previous versions, including improved accuracy and precision with force-sensing technology, enhanced 3D imaging, and surgical viewing.
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One of the improvements Tennova Healthcare specifically pointed out was how the new robotic surgery system has new feedback technology which allows surgeons to feel the push and pull of forces at their instrument tip. This specifically is helpful while working with delicate tissue, in a process where previously surgeons had to rely on their sight to evaluate how much force to use.
The new system also has an improved high-definition, 3D vision system, that gives surgeons a clearer and more magnified view of the surgical site. The improvement, along with more true color representation, also helps with depth perception and giving surgeons a view of anatomical detail.
'This technology offers enhanced precision, dexterity, and visualization which improves accuracy and minimizes trauma to surrounding tissue for quicker recovery and better patient outcomes,' said Dr. Marc Campbell, D.O., Chair of Surgery at Tennova Surgical Associates. 'Turkey Creek Medical Center is the first hospital in Knoxville to use this new surgical system, which can be used for general, gynecological, bariatric, colorectal, and urological surgery. '
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Robotic surgery has allowed for minimally invasive surgeries that have better outcomes and decreased recovery time for patients, Tennova Healthcare said. It also can offer surgeries with less pain and scarring and a lower risk of infections.
During a robotic surgery, a surgeon remotely manipulates surgical instruments that are attached to robotic arms by using a console in the operating room. The surgeon is in complete control of the robotic-assisted system which translates their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient's body.
Some of the procedures that surgeons utilize robotic technology for at the Turkey Creek Medical Center include hysterectomies, tonsillectomies, knee replacements, and prostatectomies, which is a treatment for prostate cancer.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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