Woman Is First in Region To Use Robotics To Treat Renal Tumor

TYLER — Hope Kidwell, 75, of Mt. Pleasant is the first in the region to have a tumor removed from one of her kidneys with the assistance of a robotic system at Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler. Monday, Andrew Kirkpatrick, M.D., Chief of Urology with Trinity Clinic, was the first surgeon to use Trinity Mother Frances’ da Vinci Surgical Robot to use real-time fluorescence imaging technology. The procedure allows surgeons to see and assess anatomy better than the naked eye. According to hospital officials, that further enhances the unmatched vision, precision and control of surgical robotics.

In 2004, Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler was the first in East Texas to add robotic surgery, using it to perform minimally invasive cardiac bypasses and robotic assisted radical prostatectomies. Hospital officials say the newest upgrade is instrumental in the treatment of renal tumors. “We are pleased to be the first in the region to offer this ground-breaking technology to our patients and the community we serve,” said Kirkpatrick, who has used da Vinci to perform over 300 prostatectomies.