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The Bluffton Sun
Sept. 15, 2020
HEALTH
Memorial Health acquires new robotic surgery system September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and Memorial Health is pleased to be the first hospital in Georgia to perform urological surgery using the innovative single port (SP) robotic surgery system. This new surgical robot was used in its first procedure, a prostate surgery, Sept. 4. The da Vinci SP robotic surgery system allows the surgeon to perform complex surgeries with a small, single incision, making the procedures even more minimally invasive. This next generation system requires fewer incisions and will benefit urology surgery patients. At this time, the SP is FDA approved for urologic and ENT surgeries. “Traditional prostate surgery techniques require larger incisions and can result in increased post-operative pain and side effects,” said urologist Dr. Michael Cox. “Being able to perform prostate surgery in a less invasive procedure will help provide the best possible patient outcomes.” Memorial Health launched its robotics
Some members of the surgical team posed with the new robot on its first day in operation. From left are Debbie Flowers, Josh Browder, Caitlin Godbold, Dr. Michael Cox and Dr. Andrew Michigan.
program in 2010 and continues to be a leader in bringing the latest robotic technology to the region. Earlier this year, the hospital launched a new robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform for early detection of lung cancer as well as a new surgical robot for custom knee replacements. In May of this year, Memorial celebrated
the one-year anniversary of its dedicated Minimally Invasive Surgery Center. Surgeons have now performed more than 2,100 robotic procedures in these surgical suites. “Robotic-assisted surgery offers many benefits for patients,” said Dr. Oliver Whipple, bariatric surgeon and president of the Medical Staff. “In our experience, patients who have had robotic surgery experience less pain, shorter recovery times, and improved outcomes.” “We’re excited to have this new surgery system for our patients. It shows our continued commitment to bring the latest technology to our region,” Cox said. Memorial Health provides the region’s only Level I trauma center for the most acute illness and injuries, as well as dedicated children’s, cancer and heart hospitals to serve a 35-county area in southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina. For more information, visit memorialhealth.com.
T H E RE ’S MO RE TO OU R STO RY Throughout these difficult times, it is imperative you know that you are not alone. We continue to provide counseling services for our community amidst the uncertainty of this pandemic. Our Bereavement Team is hosting virtual sessions for New Beginnings, New Hope, Survivors of Suicide, as well as the Harper Project Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Groups. All are welcome to join each of these programs. Charlie Tyler, M. Div Spiritual Counselor
To learn more, please visit hospicecarelc.org/counseling-bereavement
Barbara Scobey, LMSW Bereavement Counselor
To support us, call 843-706-2296 Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, Inc. is a registered 501-C(3) nonprofit organization. Serving Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton Counties since 1982.
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