Robotic surgery advancement at Folsom's Mercy Hospital

With Folsom's population having grown by nearly 20 percent just since 2010, Dignity Health has continued to work to make substantial financial investments to meet the needs of its growing patient population. The newest fruits of their labor is expanded robotic surgery at its Mercy Folsom facility Recently, Folsom doctors performed the facility's first surgical case using the Da Vinci XI robot. "These enhancements are two of the most recent examples of our commitment to continue to provide the highest quality and most advanced care possible," said Dr. Brian Evans, president of Dignity Health Mercy Hospital of Folsom. "For years now, and especially throughout this pandemic, we've monitored health trends and are strategically investing in all of the technologies and resources to meet the needs of our community." The Da Vinci XI is a versatile robotic system that gives surgeons the ability to perform minimally-invasive surgeries that reduce variability in the operating room and help deliver better care. This translates to improved patient outcomes, including shorter hospital stays, reduced narcotic use and a faster recovery. The Da Vinci XI also allows surgeons to perform more complex cases across a larger array of sub-specialties. "The da Vinci robotic surgery system allows the surgeon to perform major surgeries through minor incisions. The da Vinci system translates the surgeon's hand movements with precision, provides a greater range of motion over laparoscopic instruments and also delivers highly magnified, 3D high-definition views of the surgical site," explained Dr. David Skeehan, chief of surgery, Dignity Health Mercy Hospital of Folsom. "All of this results in better patient outcomes including shorter recovery periods, less pain and fewer narcotics. The da Vinci system is an important part of a bigger picture. As a patient, you are at the center of a network of dedicated professionals working together to help you get back to what matters most." Additionally, work on Mercy Folsom's new Gastroenterology (GI) Suite is underway. Slated to open in late 2022/early 2023, the new GI suite will offer the Folsom community state-of-the-art gastroenterology service, the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. There is currently a steep rise in those experiencing digestive issues, especially in the midst of the pandemic. The expansion is expected to deliver two additional procedure rooms, three pre-op/recovery bays and an endoscope decontamination room. "Many advances in treating gastrointestinal disease have occurred in the last 20 years and having a dedicated and modern space to accommodate these new technologies will allow us to provide the kind of up-to-date and personalized care that we want to provide to our community," said Lisa Hausmann, chief nurse executive and chief operating officer, Dignity Health Mercy Hospital of Folsom. "This new GI lab also underscores our ongoing approach to be forward-looking by continuing to add new technologies as they become available." These additions come as Dignity Health continues construction on its Folsom Ranch Medical Office Building, scheduled to open in 2023.