Columbus Regional Healthcare System has a new tool to help perform minimally invasive surgeries with the recent addition of a da Vinci Xi Surgical System, the hospital announced Wednesday.

The da Vinci helps surgeons create smaller, more precise movements within the body and can be used in areas including bariatric, general surgery, and gynecology. The first surgery with the new system was scheduled for late this week.

CRHS acquired a da Vinci Si robot in 2011 and will continue to use it for some procedures, such as gynecological and urological surgeries, hospital officials said.

The new robot will be an asset for general surgeons, particularly with complex colon and hernia surgeries, said Dr. Sam Wheatley, gynecologist and CRHS chief medical officer.

Columbus Regional Healthcare System uses da Vinci Xi Surgical System for minimally invasive surgery.

“Our goal is to continue reducing the number of open surgeries by using minimally invasive techniques,” Wheatley said. “With this technology the benefits for patients include less pain, smaller incisions with less scarring than traditional open surgery, and ultimately patients can get back to their normal selves with reduced recovery periods.”

The new da Vinci provides surgeons with a greater range of motion within the body and is equipped with a 3D high-definition vision system that provides surgeons with a highly magnified view. An orthopedic robot that CRHS acquired last month also made its surgical debut this week. Dr. Craig Lippe used the hospital’s new ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) to perform a knee-replacement surgery Tuesday.

CRHS said it was the first time a ROSA had been used in the Carolinas.

“At Columbus Regional, we are proud to be on the front end of technology,” said John Young, president and CEO of CRHS. “We are dedicated to investing in the best, high quality technology so that we are able to provide the highest quality of care, right here at home. Our community can come to Columbus Regional and know that they are getting the best care.”

Young said the ROSA Knee System and new da Vinci provide a competitive advantage to Columbus Regional, which, like many rural hospitals in North Carolina, has faced financial challenges.

CRHS had the added burden of costs incurred and revenue lost as a result of Hurricane Florence last year. “As the first in North and South Carolina with the ROSA Knee System, we are able to attract patients from outside of our traditional market for this highly specialized technology,” Young said. “Part of our strategic plan is growth in surgical procedures, and these advanced technologies will help us get there.”