CASE STUDY: Lviv Hospital, Ukraine

Client: Lviv Hospital, Ukraine
R2 Surgical Partnership Since: 2021
Robotic Systems Acquired: da Vinci S (2021) and da Vinci Si (2023)

Overview:

Lviv Hospital, one of Ukraine's leading public healthcare institutions, embarked on a journey to modernize its surgical capabilities with the integration of advanced robotic systems from R2 Surgical. Starting with the acquisition of a pre-owned da Vinci S in 2021, followed by the purchase of a da Vinci Si in 2023, the hospital has made significant strides in robotic surgery. 

The Challenge:

Lviv Hospital faced several challenges in acquiring and implementing a robotic system that would not only be cost-effective but also fully functional within a public healthcare setting. The key challenges included:

• Selecting a pre-owned robotic system that met their budgetary constraints while ensuring serviceability and a warranty.
• Training medical staff to transition from traditional to robotic surgery.
• Addressing occasional issues with equipment functionality and supply shortages.

Solution:

R2 Surgical provided Lviv Hospital with a cost-effective solution through the purchase of pre-owned da Vinci systems. The initial da Vinci S system, purchased in 2021, and the later da Vinci Si system, acquired in 2023, have empowered Lviv Hospital to perform complex surgeries, such as:

• Colon and rectal surgery
• Esophageal and stomach surgery
• Gynecological and urological procedures
• Pediatric surgeries

R2 Surgical’s commitment to providing responsive support has been crucial for Lviv Hospital. The hospital has received timely troubleshooting assistance, addressing issues such as camera malfunctions and cable breaks.

Impact:

Since the installation of the da Vinci systems, Lviv Hospital has performed 145 robotic surgeries, significantly improving patient outcomes and expanding the hospital’s expertise in both adult and pediatric care. The robotic team continually receives training abroad, enhancing their proficiency and contributing to Ukraine’s growing robotic surgery capabilities.

Lviv has become a hub for surgical robotics in Ukraine, playing a key role in the creation of the Association of Robotic Surgery in Ukraine and hosting educational events, such as “masterclasses” on robotic surgery. The hospital’s leadership in this field has made them a reference point for other institutions considering the adoption of robotic surgery.

Future Goals:

Lviv Hospital has ambitious goals for expanding the use of their da Vinci Si system, including the development of new applications in thoracic surgery and oncology. They remain committed to leading Ukraine’s advancement in robotic surgery, with the support of the Ministry of Health and their own administration. The hospital has also expressed interest in further strengthening their partnership with R2 Surgical by participating in advanced training sessions in the USA.

Key Benefits and Challenges:

According to Dr. Andrii Stasyshyn, our contact at Lviv Hospital, “The biggest advantage of the systems is the use of EndoWrist instruments.” These instruments provide enhanced precision and dexterity, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy. However, the hospital has encountered several technical challenges, including issues with the camera and cables in the da Vinci S and Si systems. Despite these difficulties, R2 Surgical’s support has been timely and effective, ensuring minimal disruption to the hospital’s operations.

Testimonial from Andrii Stasyshyn:

“The first robotic system da Vinci S was bought for our Hospital by benefactors who are interested in the development of modern medicine. With the help of robotic system da Vinci S, we perform procedures: colon and rectum surgery, esophagus and stomach surgery, in gynecology and urology.”

Key Takeaways:

• EndoWrist Precision: Lviv Hospital's use of da Vinci systems, particularly the EndoWrist instruments, has been a major advantage in enhancing surgical precision and outcomes.
• Cost-Effective Robotic Surgery: The acquisition of pre-owned da Vinci systems allowed Lviv Hospital to offer advanced surgeries while working within the constraints of a public healthcare budget.
• Impact on Ukrainian Healthcare: Lviv has become a leader in robotic surgery in Ukraine, setting the stage for national developments in this field.
• R2 Surgical Support: Despite no regular supply contracts, R2 Surgical’s responsive service has played a key role in ensuring the success of Lviv’s robotic surgery program.
• Future Expansion: Lviv Hospital is committed to expanding the use of their robotic systems, particularly in thoracic surgery and oncology.