KULR 8's Healthy Living: Local News

Billings Hospitals Advancing

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By Lindsey Scheetz

Story Updated: Dec 24, 2009

BILLINGS - Billings hospitals are one step closer to acquiring technology to cut down on invasive surgical procedures.

The Da Vinci S-I robotic surgical program allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive and precise procedures with the help of high definition and 3-D technology. The Billings Clinic announced on Wednesday their purchase of the robot with the help of a $500,000 dollar donation.

Billings Clinic urologist Richard Melzer says the new program will allow local patients receive treatment in their own town.

"Some of our patients have had to leave to have this technology done. And so bringing the robot, and the new minimally invasive approach to things here to the clinic will allow these patients to stay home and have their care by the physicians they know and trust." Said Melzer.

Saint Vincent Healthcare is also in the process of getting the new robot. St. Vincent's and the Billings Clinic hope to begin using the equipment in the next few weeks. Currently two other Montana hospitals are using the surgical technology.

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