Muscogee Tribe is a 'Trailblazer' Being First Tribe in Oklahoma to use Robotic Surgery System

The Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare of the Muscogee Nation in Tulsa, Okla., made history on October 9th as the first Tribal health care facility in the lower 48 U.S. states to execute a minimally invasive procedure using the da Vinci XI robotic surgery system.

The da Vinci system enables surgeons to conduct minimally invasive surgeries with precision through specialized robotic tools that function similarly to traditional surgical instruments like scissors, scalpels, and forceps. Operating the system’s robotic arms, surgeons work from a console, manipulating instruments linked to their wrists, and benefit from amplified, 3D visuals provided by compact surgical cameras.

Dr. Micah Wright, D.O., a urogynecologist at Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare, had the distinction of being the first to utilize the facility’s da Vinci system for a procedure.

“This robot will be a valuable resource for the Muscogee Nation Department of Health,” said Dr. Wright. “The use of the robot extends the surgeon’s vision and movement capabilities, leading to an overall more precise surgery. The major bonus, though, is it is minimally invasive. Not only are there less complications, but the recovery process is, in most cases, so much easier for the patient,” Dr. Wright said.

Over the past few decades, robotic surgery has transformed the surgical landscape. It not only magnifies the visual clarity, precision, and maneuverability for surgeons, but it also reduces the likelihood of complications for patients compared to conventional open surgery. The benefits of smaller incisions include decreased chances of infection, blood loss, pain, and scarring. Consequently, patients often experience shorter hospitalizations and faster recovery times.

During its inaugural use at Council Oak, Dr. Wright employed the robotic surgical system for a hysterectomy procedure. Annually, over half a million women in the U.S. undergo hysterectomies, as reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health.

The conventional approach to hysterectomies, which involves a significant incision in the abdomen, generally requires a two to three-day hospitalization and a recuperation period of six to eight weeks. In contrast, robotic-assisted procedures can potentially halve the overall recovery duration following a hysterectomy.

“It is hard to believe I just had major surgery,” said Briahna Kincade, who was one of the earliest patients to utilize the system. “My hysterectomy was completed very quickly. I woke up from the procedure, and several hours later, I was home with my family. I have no reason to think my recovery won’t be just as easy. I’m confident that I will be back to work and participating in all the other activities I enjoy in no time,” said Kincade.

Council Oak doctors anticipate using the da Vinci robotic surgical equipment for a number of minimally invasive procedures, such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removals, in addition to gynecological surgeries.

“The investment in this surgical system is going to transform surgical care for the Muscogee Nation Department of Health,” said Shawn Terry, Muscogee Nation Secretary of Health. “We are excited about the enhancement it offers to our surgeons and the benefits it provides to our patients. We are constantly looking for ways to provide the very best in patient care – this robot is just one step towards creating a center for excellence in surgical care.”

“Here at the Muscogee Creek Nation, we’re not just taking care of people today, we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the best care and quality of life possible in the future,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “To see MCN Health continue to be forward-thinking and aggressive in seeking out resources and technology that keeps us on the cutting edge, is very gratifying.”