Robotics rule at RiverBend: New surgical robot added to toolbox

SPRINGFIELD — PeaceHealth RiverBend this month added the latest in robotic technology to its surgical services, and as the name suggests, he is a smartie. 

The da Vinci surgical robot has been assisting surgeons with laparoscopic or “keyhole” operations since 1999.

While keyhole surgeries —  a minimally invasive approach through small incisions in the abdomen or pelvis —  are less invasive to the patient, it can be manually intensive for surgeons; imagine the intensity of…