Robotic surgery at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital

Minimally invasive and robotic surgery in Vidalia, GA

Thanks to minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic surgery, patients can receive major surgical procedures with a shorter recovery time and less pain. Our minimally invasive surgeons at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital perform a variety of procedures using robot-assisted techniques in a range of medical specialties, from gynecology to general surgery.

We use state-of-the-art technology when performing robot-assisted surgery.

To learn more about minimally invasive and robotic surgery at our hospital, please call us at (912) 584-6240.

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive procedures are performed using small incisions, usually less than one inch. Robotic and laparoscopic technologies allow your doctor to perform surgery using specialized surgical tools. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:

• Faster return to work and daily activities
• Less blood loss
• Less impact to the immune system
• Less need for postoperative medication
• Less postoperative pain
• Less post-surgical scarring
• Lower risk for infection and wound complications
• Shorter hospital stay
• Significantly smaller incisions that require fewer stitches

Minimally invasive surgery is covered by most insurance providers, just as traditional surgery is covered. To learn more about your options, speak with your doctor and contact your insurance provider.

Conditions treated with minimally invasive surgery

We provide minimally invasive surgery for the following conditions:

• Colon and rectal disease
• Gallstones and common bile duct stones
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Hernias of all types, including hiatal hernia
• Spleen and adrenal gland disorders
• Swallowing disorders

Minimally invasive surgical options

Our surgeons are always expanding the number of procedures they perform using minimally invasive approaches. We currently offer minimally invasive procedures for:

• General surgery
  • Colon surgery
  • Hernia treatment
  • Laparoscopic adrenal gland removal (adrenalectomy)
  • Laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
  • Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for GERD treatment
  • Laparoscopic spleen removal (splenectomy)
  • Removal of part or all of the stomach (gastrectomy)
  • Removal of the appendix (appendectomy)
• Gynecologic surgery
  • Medical sterilization (tubal ligation)
  • Removal of growths and scar tissue associated with endometriosis (endometriosis resection)
  • Removal of one or both ovaries (oophorectomy)
  • Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy)
  • Removal of uterine fibroids (myomectomy)

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find the answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding minimally invasive procedures.

Will I be able to go home the day of my surgery?

Not all patients are able to return home the same day as surgery. The length of a patient's hospital stay is dependent on the type of surgery they had.

What are the possible complications of minimally invasive surgery?

Similar to traditional surgery, there are a few risks associated with minimally invasive procedures. These may include a risk of injury to other organs, bleeding before and after surgery, infection and allergic reactions to anesthesia or medications. Sometimes a minimally invasive procedure may be changed to an open procedure. All of these complications are rare. Our surgeons are available to discuss any questions or concerns.

How many days will I be out of work?

Most patients are able to return to work one to two weeks following surgery. The majority of patients are able to function and perform basic tasks just a few days after surgery.