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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- A new wave of technology for surgery is introduced in the Heartland.

Representatives from the Ottumwa Regional Health Center gynecological department held an open house at the Days Inn in Kirksville Wednesday afternoon to show their the DaVinci Robotic System.

The staff was there to demonstrate the robot, and how it works using it's robotic arms on major surgery procedures such as a hysterectomy.

The hospital has been using this system for the past year and has noticed patients recover quicker and less hesitant about having major surgery.

"Pain is usually the biggest factor that keeps people from having major surgery. With this, it's minimal. They can get back to work within a week or two. It helps them make an appropriate decision of taking care of a major problem," said Dr. Jeff Bittner of Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

The DaVinci Robot is also used in heart and prostate surgeries.

Ottumwa Regional Health Center is the only hospital in the heartland that has the system.

The state of Iowa is the leading state in the nation using it.

If you want more information about the DaVinci Robot at Ottumwa Regional Medical Center, call (641) 682-8761.