Robotic-Assisted Hernia Surgery Now Available at Brookings Heath System

Brookings Health System’s surgical team recently began performing robotic-assisted hernia repair surgery using the da Vinci® robotic surgical system, led by General Surgeon Theresa Oey, M.D., of the Avera Medical Group-Brookings.

A hernia occurs when the inside layers of abdominal muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or a tear. It causes the inner lining of the abdomen to push through the weakened area to create a balloon-like sac. A hernia will not heal without repair.

Robotic-assisted hernia repair is a minimally invasive, laparoscopic procedure that benefits patients with minimal pain, shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, less risk of infection and smaller incisions with minimal scarring. Patients also quickly return to work and normal daily activities.

During the procedure, the surgeon sits at a console, viewing a 3-D, high-definition image of the patient’s anatomy. The surgeon uses controls below the viewer to move the instrument arms and camera. In real-time, the system translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into more precise movements of the miniaturized instruments inside the patient. Every surgical movement remains under the surgeon’s direct control.

This March, Brookings Health System became the third health care provider in the state to actively offer advanced robotic surgical technology. The da Vinci surgical system provides additional clinical benefits and efficiency in the operating room, resulting in improved patient outcomes.

Brookings Health System’s surgical services offers a full range of inpatient, outpatient (same-day surgery), and emergency surgical treatments provided by skilled surgeons and professional support staff. To learn more about Brookings Health System’s surgical services, please call (605) 696-8888 or visit www.brookingshealth.org/surgery.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, Arlington Medical Center and White Medical Clinic. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.