The advanced robotic platform is now being used across six surgical specialties at OMU Faculty of Medicine Hospital, expanding access to minimally invasive procedures for patients across the Black Sea Region.

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Medicine Hospital has introduced the da Vinci Surgical System, marking the beginning of a new era in robotic surgery for the Black Sea Region.

The system, regarded as one of the most advanced technologies in modern surgery, is now being used across six major surgical specialties, ranging from urology and oncology-related procedures to gynecology and pediatric surgery.

OMU’s Health Practice and Research Center formally presented the new robotic surgery investment at a meeting hosted by Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın in the University Senate Hall. The event highlighted the system’s potential contributions to regional healthcare, its surgical advantages, and its role in strengthening medical education and specialist training.

Rector Aydın: “We Are Also Bringing the Existing Hospital’s Technical Infrastructure to the Highest Level”

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın emphasized that OMU is continuing to modernize the technical infrastructure of its existing hospital while work on the University’s new hospital project moves forward.

Prof. Dr. Aydın said the investment removes a significant barrier to access to advanced surgical care for patients in Samsun and neighboring provinces.

“Patients in Samsun and the surrounding provinces can now access advanced treatment in their own region that was previously available only at a limited number of centers in major cities,” she said.

She also stressed that the robotic system does not operate autonomously.

“The robot is not a mechanism that makes decisions on its own. The robotic arms, controlled by the surgeon from a console beside the operating table, function as a tremor-free extension of the surgeon’s hands and vision.”

Prof. Dr. Aydın added that the system would contribute not only to patient care but also to medical education and research.

“OMU will not only provide treatment but will also offer residents and young academics robotic surgery training at international standards, enabling them to make new contributions to the medical literature.”

Greater Precision and Improved Patient Comfort

Dr. Murat Gülşen, who presented the system’s operating principles and initial clinical experience, shared images from the first procedures performed at OMU.

He explained that robotic surgery can allow operations to be performed through incisions of less than one centimeter rather than through the much larger incisions required in conventional open surgery.

Because tissue trauma can be reduced, patients may experience substantially less postoperative pain. The precision offered by the system can also help minimize bleeding and reduce the need for blood transfusions.

Compared with open surgery, suitable patients can often be discharged within one to two days and return to their daily lives more quickly.

The system also provides the surgeon with three-dimensional, depth-enhanced visualization at up to 10-times magnification. Combined with technology that filters hand tremor, this can enable surgeons to work with greater precision around critical nerves, blood vessels, and other anatomical structures, particularly during cancer surgery.

Dean Danacı: “We Carry a Major Healthcare Burden from Sinop to Ardahan”

Prof. Dr. Murat Danacı, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, highlighted the strength of OMU’s surgical teams and said the acquisition of the system was the result of approximately two years of intensive preparation.

“Ondokuz Mayıs University has an exceptionally strong surgical team,” Prof. Dr. Danacı said. “We have physicians who perform highly specialized procedures across the Black Sea Region. This device will take our team to the next level.”

He added that the University had reached this stage after evaluating requests and needs raised by faculty members over the past two years.

“We shoulder a substantial healthcare burden extending from Sinop to Ardahan. For that reason, this technology was an essential step for us.”

Prof. Dr. Şaban Sarıkaya, Chair of the Robotic Surgery Coordination Board, described robotic surgery as an increasingly important component of contemporary surgical practice.

“The point robotic surgery has reached worldwide is highly significant,” Prof. Dr. Sarıkaya said. “Bringing this system to our University and making it the first of its kind in the Black Sea Region is a source of great pride. It will benefit both the people of the region and our specialist physicians, who will gain experience at an international level. Our younger colleagues will carry this expertise much further in the future.”

Robotic Surgery to Be Used Across Six Major Specialties

The da Vinci Surgical System introduced at OMU Faculty of Medicine Hospital will be used through a multidisciplinary approach across six principal surgical fields.

In urology, the system will be used for surgical treatment of prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers, as well as procedures such as pyeloplasty to correct urinary tract obstructions.

In general surgery, robotic techniques will be applied in colorectal surgery and selected operations involving the stomach, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, liver, pancreas, hernias, thyroid, and adrenal glands.

In obstetrics and gynecology, the system may be used in surgery for uterine and cervical cancers, complex fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, and fertility-preserving procedures.

In thoracic surgery, robotic procedures will include lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer, surgery for mediastinal masses and thymic conditions, and selected operations involving the esophagus.

In pediatric surgery and pediatric urology, the system will be used for selected congenital abnormalities of the urinary and digestive systems, gastroesophageal reflux, and childhood tumors such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor.

In otorhinolaryngology (ENT), robotic surgery will be used for selected head and neck tumors and tongue-base procedures performed through the mouth without an external incision, as well as surgical interventions for obstructive sleep apnea.

Robotic Surgery to Strengthen Regional Healthcare and Medical Training

The launch meeting brought together OMU’s senior administration, Faculty of Medicine leadership, hospital management, members of the Robotic Surgery Coordination Board, and physicians involved in the clinical implementation of the new system.

Among the physicians contributing to the clinical program were Prof. Dr. Deniz Karakaya, Prof. Dr. Sibel Barış, Prof. Dr. Yasemin Bilgin Büyükkarabacak, Prof. Dr. Sinan Atmaca, Prof. Dr. Senem Çengel Kurnaz, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mesut Önal, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Derebey, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Mercimek, and Dr. Murat Gülşen.

The introduction of the da Vinci system is expected to expand access to advanced minimally invasive surgery across the Black Sea Region while strengthening OMU’s capacity in clinical care, specialist training, and surgical education.