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Memorial Satilla announces new robotic surgical system

WAYCROSS, Ga. – The New Year is looking bright for the OR team at Memorial Satilla Health. The team announced the arrival of the hospital’s newest robotic surgery system last week. Minimally-invasive surgery utilizing this system can mean less pain, shorter hospital stays and a quicker recovery time for patients.

This system is the second of its kind to arrive in recent months. Another robotic system already in use at Memorial Satilla is utilized primarily for orthopedic procedures. The new system will aid in several more procedures including hernia repair, gallbladder removal, gastric sleeve procedure (bariatric surgery), and several gynecological surgeries.

Physicians at Memorial Satilla are excited about this opportunity to provide an even greater level of care across multiple disciplines – general surgery, gynecology, bariatrics and urology. The new technology changes the game in the same way laparoscopy revolutionized open surgeries several decades ago and will likely be the mainstay of operations offered across the nation. 

“For the community Memorial Satilla serves, it means another great tool in the hands of physicians you already know and trust, and potentially even more options for specialty care,” says Dr. Sigismund Lee, general surgeon.

“Robotic surgery has been in practice for over thirty years but largely limited to University centers. As technology improves the accessibility, we can now offer a larger variety of procedures and cut down on the potential recovery time for more complex cases.  This robot allows us to see in greater detail and maneuver with precision that conventional laparoscopy does not offer,” Lee continues.

“It’s been a great year for Memorial Satilla and the communities we serve. We’ve added two surgical robotic systems and our surgery volume is up 17 percent over last year.  Waycross and surrounding communities deserve this technology and we are thrilled to offer it,” said Chris Kovacs, chief operating officer.

Learn more about surgical services at Memorial Satilla Health.