Merit Health Natchez Reaches Milestone in Robotic Surgeries

NATCHEZ, Miss. –December 11, 2018 – A milestone was recently reached at Merit Health Natchez when the hospital performed its 1,000th robotic surgery. “This is an exciting time for our hospital, and the progress and growth in the use of this technology is a testament to the commitment, vision, and passion of our surgeons and our outstanding surgery team,” said Lance Boyd, CEO of Merit Health Natchez.

Dr. Geoffrey Flattmann, General Surgeon, performed the 1,000th surgery, an inguinal (groin) hernia repair. “Our community is very fortunate Merit Health Natchez has invested in technology that integrates robotics and minimally invasive techniques. The technology is truly incredible and my patients experience less pain and scarring and fewer complications, plus they are back on their feet more quickly. Every robotic-assisted surgery is exciting to me, so performing the 1,000th procedure was pretty special,” concluded Flattmann.

The use of robotic-assisted technology virtually extends the surgeon’s eyes and hands. Using the system, the surgeon operates while seated at a console viewing a 3-D image of the surgical area. The system mimics the surgeon’s hand movements in real time, in a smaller scale, within the operating site in the patient’s body. The robot doesn’t replace the surgeon, but provides sharper detail and a 360-degree view of the surgery site, as well as greater dexterity in navigating complex anatomical structures.

In addition to Dr. Flattman, the following physicians have been instrumental in reaching this accomplishment and milestone: Dr. Christopher Martin, General Surgeon; and Obstetricians and Gynecologists Dr. Frank Guedon, Dr. Melissa Jones and Dr. Kofi Kumi. The most common procedures using the robotic-assisted system are hernia repairs, gallbladder, colon, single incision surgery and hysterectomies.

“The robotic surgery program at Merit Health Natchez is making a difference in people’s lives,” said Lance Boyd. “With our skilled surgeons and exceptional team of Anesthesia, Surgery and Post Anesthesia Care, people in our community can be assured this team is focused on patient safety, care and comfort,” concluded Boyd.

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