Mercy Health doctor performs first robotic surgery

Mercy Health — Lorain Hospital added a new member to the surgical team, the Intuitive da Vinci robot, according to a news release.

Dr. Jeffrey Landers, bariatric surgeon, performed the hospital’s first robotic surgery Feb. 14, the release said.

“Patients no longer have to leave the Lorain community to experience the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery,” said Dr. Gil Palmer, president of Mercy Health — Lorain Hospital, in the release. “Robotic surgery enables surgeons to maneuver instruments in a way that delivers the best surgical results, leading to less pain and quicker recovery times.

“As rapidly advancing technology and new techniques are developed every day, Mercy Health is excited to bring this technology to our patients and expand our treatment capabilities.”

Robotic-assisted surgery helps overcome the limitations of pre-existing minimally invasive surgical procedures and enhances the capabilities of surgeons, the release said.

These surgeries also use smaller incisions, which lead to decreased blood loss, less pain, lower risk of infection and quicker healing time, the release said.

“Six months after launching Mercy Health — Lorain’s new bariatric surgical program, we’re performing the hospital’s first ever robotic surgery,” Landers said in the release. “This advanced technology will bolster our surgical programs and greatly benefit our patients by offering less invasive

procedures that generate better outcomes.”

Robotic surgery is often performed in the areas of

bariatric, thoracic and general surgery, as well as urology and gynecology, the release said.

SUBMITTED Members of the Mercy Health — Lorain Hospital surgical team performed the hospital’s first robotic surgery Feb. 14.