Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Comes to Dublin

Patients in need of surgical services no longer need to travel long distances for the most advanced options. Fairview Park Hospital has become the first hospital in Middle Georgia to offer robotic-assisted surgery using the daVinci^® Surgical System.

Dr. John L. Polhill, Jr., a general surgeon and president of the Medical Staff at Fairview Park Hospital, performed the first surgery using the daVinci^® robot. The procedure, a gallbladder surgery, was successful.

The daVinci^® robot provides surgeons with an alternative to both traditional open surgery and conventional, laparoscopic surgery, putting a surgeon's hands at the controls of a state-of-the-art robotic platform. The surgeon can then perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision. For patients, daVinci^® surgeries often result in shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries.

"I am excited to have the daVinci^® robot at Fairview Park," Dr. Polhill said, "For those of us who already offer minimally invasive surgery, it offers the surgeon a better view and easier movement of the surgical instruments. These features improve the experience for the surgeon and in my opinion make it safer for the patient."

The Fairview Park Hospital daVinci^® surgical team will include the following physicians:

• Dr. John Polhill Jr. - General Surgery; President of Medical Staff
• Dr. Rob Gatliff - General Surgery
• Dr. Bill Chism - Gynecologic Surgery
• Dr. Doug Brewer - Colorectal Surgery

Don Avery, president and CEO at Fairview Park Hospital, said "This advanced technology means we can offer our patients the very best combination of skill and technology right here in Dublin." Fairview Park Hospital offers 24/7 nurse consultation and physician referral line. For additional information or to find a physician, call (800) 447-0459.