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Community Hospital North surgical team performs the first single incision robotic gallbladder removal;Community North among the first 40 sites in the nation to perform procedure

For release on March 28, 2012

Indianapolis, IN---On Monday, March 26, a surgical team at Community Hospital North performed the first single incision robotic-assisted surgery to remove a gallbladder in Central Indiana. The team was led by board certified and da Vinci-trained surgeon, Jack Ditslear, M.D. Community is among the first 40 hospital systems across the nation to offer the procedure. Surgeons who perform these types of surgeries must have hours of practice and specialized training to use the robotic devices.

During a minimally-invasive surgery using the da Vinci system, the robotic arms are attached to surgical equipment. These arms are precisely controlled by the surgeon, who is seated at a console several feet away from the patient. Using this console, the surgeon is able to visualize the patient and the procedure via a high-definition 3-D image. As surgery begins, the robotic arms enter through a single incision in the body, about one inch in diameter. In the case of a gallbladder removal, the incision is made at the patient’s belly button. This method provides various patient benefits, including minimal scarring, less bleeding, quicker recovery times and a shorter stay in the hospital.

Community North had two patients undergo gallbladder removals using this technique on March 26, 2012. According to Dr. Ditslear, “I have been doing laparoscopic surgery my entire career. I have performed some single incision laparoscopic surgeries, but have experienced some limitations. The da Vinci robot has made this procedure much easier to perform. It’s great that Community has made this investment for patients.”

The team performed the surgery using the newest da Vinci robot, the Intuitive da Vinci Si. This model is complete with a dual-console capability to support training and collaboration during surgery. Community Hospital North is now home to three da Vinci robots, and is one of the only hospitals in the area with Si Dual Console capabilities.

These robots are utilized for various types of procedures, including gynecology, oncology, urology, thoracic, advanced laparoscopic and general surgeries.

About Community Health Network
Ranked among the nation’s most integrated healthcare systems, Community Health Network is Central Indiana’s leader in providing convenient access to exceptional healthcare services, where and when patients need them—in hospitals, health pavilions and doctor’s offices, as well as workplaces, schools and homes. As a non-profit health system with over 200 sites of care and affiliates throughout Central Indiana, Community’s full continuum of care integrates hundreds of physicians, specialty and acute care hospitals, surgery centers, home care services, MedChecks, behavioral health and employer health services. To learn more, visit eCommunity.com or call 800-777-7775.

Lynda de Widt, Media Relations
Lynda de Widt
Media Relations