University Hospital Martin Opens Groundbreaking Robotic Surgery Center
On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, University Hospital Martin heralded a new era in surgical care with the official opening of its Robotic Surgery Center. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Rector of Comenius University in Bratislava, Professor Marek Števček, and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, MUDr. Ladislav Slobodník.
This advanced facility became operational thanks to a collaborative effort with the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Martin, which secured the Da Vinci Xi robotic system through European Structural and Investment Funds. The hospital and faculty share a vision to leverage research infrastructure for scientific research, including new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, within education and healthcare delivery.
Professor Marek Števček lauded the opening, saying, “I am proud of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, which sets a standard across Slovakia. This facility marks the convergence of science, research, innovation, and patient care, epitomizing the essence of university healthcare.”
The state secretary, MUDr. Ladislav Slobodník, highlighted the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, noting that the latest generation Da Vinci system allows surgeons enhanced operational capacity and patients shorter recovery times and quicker return to everyday life.
Professor MUDr. Ján Švihra, PhD., a pioneer of robotic surgery at University Hospital Martin and the vice dean of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, played a crucial role in realizing this project. “Favorable conditions in 2019 through European Structural Funds made the acquisition of the Da Vinci robot possible, aiming to reduce the accessibility barrier to minimally invasive surgical treatment post-COVID-19 pandemic. I believe the outcome will greatly benefit scientific development, education, and our patients.”
Assoc. Prof. Kamil Biringer, head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic at University Hospital Martin and vice dean of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, shared insights into the advantages of robotic operations. “The system enables surgeries without the surgeon being directly over the surgical wound, minimizing any risk of infection transmission. It even allows for remote telemedicine connections, offering immense educational benefits to medical staff. Currently, University Hospital Martin has seven complete operating teams from various specialties.”
The ceremony was also attended by Erika Jurinová, Chairwoman of the Žilina Self-Governing Region of the Slovak Republic, who emphasized the importance of robotics as the technical field of the future. “In the Žilina region, we aspire to lead Slovakia not only in the use but primarily in the education, development, construction, and programming of robots for various practical applications. Therefore, I am delighted that patients in Martin will now have the opportunity to experience and benefit from robotics in a complex field such as surgery.”
Currently, the robotic system at University Hospital Martin is utilized by departments of surgery, urology, gynecology, and most recently, thoracic surgery, with plans to expand its use to other areas.