South Central Regional Medical Center (SCRMC) congratulates Robert A. DeSantis, MD, OB-GYN at South Central Obstetrics & Gynecology, for performing his 1,000^th robotic surgery at South Central Regional Medical Center. Dr. DeSantis is a minimally invasive surgeon, performing less than 2% of his cases using a large incision on the abdomen. He has performed robotic surgery since 2007.

Robert A. DeSantis, MD
OB-GYN
South Central Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. DeSantis states, “Robotic surgery has revolutionized surgery for most gynecologists, especially complex cases. Surgeries that normally would require having the abdomen open, are now able to be completed through three small incisions that are about one inch.”

According to Dr. DeSantis, the robotic procedure helps women recover faster. “The components of the robotic system allow the surgeon to perform procedures without having to make as many movements as with an open surgery. Surgeons are able to put four or five instruments through the small incisions and it is almost as if you have a large incision site, even though you are operating in a very small space. This translates into shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain and more rapid return to normal activities. We are able to offer treatment for fibroids, ovarian cysts, infertility, pelvic organ prolapse and other complex conditions with minimally invasive techniques.” The da Vinci® Robot allows the surgeons at SCRMC to make delicate incisions and navigate around tight areas where organs lie. When compared to conventional surgery, robotic surgery may reduce the typical effects of surgery to improve patient satisfaction. Patients are able to recover faster by using this minimally invasive surgery technique.

“A heartfelt thank you is owed to a lot of people that have made one-thousand cases possible,” said Dr. DeSantis. “At South Central, our robotic surgical team is second to none. They are dedicated to the system, and that is what it really takes to make a program. This is a great service to offer this to our patients locally, and we have a great group of well-trained surgeons at South Central that can provide this service.”

The physicians performing robotic surgery at South Central Regional Medical Center include, Rashad Ali, MD, Rachel Cudworth, DO, Robert DeSantis, MD, Seth Ladd, DO, Michael Weber, MD, and J. Keith Winstead, DO. For more information about robotic surgery, visit the South Central Regional Medical Center website at scrmc.com.