Rapides Regional Medical Center is home to a robust robotic surgery department that performs the most surgeries in the region thanks to two da Vinci® Xi robotic surgical systems. Our high-volume, expert surgical team performs robotic procedures in colorectal, gynecology, bariatric and general surgeries.

The da Vinci® Xi provides surgeons with greater precision, control and access to hard-to-reach areas, allowing complex operations to be performed through just a few small incisions.

Robotic Precision, Surgeon’s Touch

da Vinci’s advanced level technology takes surgery beyond the limits of the human hand. It allows patients to have the best possible outcomes and provides access to the latest medical advancements. Among the benefits of having surgery with the da Vinci Xi:

  • Less pain; fewer side effects
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Smaller incisions; less scarring and less blood loss
  • Quicker return to normal activities

Benefit to Physicians

  • Enhanced 3D, high-definition vision of operative field with up to 10x magnification
  • Superior visual clarity of tissue and anatomy
  • Surgical dexterity and precision far greater than even the human hand
  • Updated and simplified user interface to enhance OR efficiency
  • New ergonomic settings for greater surgeon comfort

Surgical Areas

Colon & Rectal

Colorectal Surgery includes a variety of surgical procedures for the treatment of conditions affecting the lower digestive tract, ranging from hemorrhoids, diverticulitis to cancer.

Many procedures can be performed using robotic techniques.

Colon and Rectal Surgeons have specialized training in the surgical care of conditions affecting the small bowel, rectum and anus. These fall into the categories of abdominal surgery and anorectal surgery.

Abdominal surgeries are performed on organs in the abdomen, typically the small intestine and colon. Most commonly, these surgeries treat:

  • Colon cancer
  • Rectal cancer
  • Diverticulitis

Treatment for these conditions may also include an ostomy or J-pouch surgery. Anorectal surgeries (to treat disorders within the anal canal and rectum) are used to treat:

  • Hemorrhoids
  • Anal fissures
  • Anal fistulas
  • Rectum prolapse

Gynecology

Using a narrow, lighted scope and miniature instruments controlled through a robotic system, our surgeons are able to treat conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive organs.

With this type of surgery, incisions are smaller, recovery is faster and pain is lessened. Some of the conditions we treat using gynecological robotic surgery include:

  • Abdominal pain and pelvic pain
  • Endometriosis
  • Gynecological cancer
  • Painful periods and heavy bleeding
  • Uterine fibroids

Gynecological Robotic Procedures Performed include:

  • Robotic endometriosis resection to remove abnormal growth in the pelvic area while leaving uterus and other organs in place
  • Robotic hysterectomy to remove uterus

Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a rewarding process, but one that required patience, dedication and hard work.

Obesity has a wide range of physical side effects on the body, in addition to contributing to co-morbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and joint pain. Weight loss surgery is one tool that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Candidates for weight loss surgery typically meet the following criteria:

  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
  • Have a BMI of 35 to 39.9 and have been diagnosed with one or more co-morbid conditions
  • Are committed to following the rules of a weight loss surgery program
  • Understand that surgery is a tool that requires lifestyle changes for long-term success. For more on the Rapides Surgical Weight Loss Clinic, visit our Weight Loss Surgery.

General Surgery

General surgeons have specialized knowledge of the entire surgical process, from initial visit, and pre-op processes, surgery and postoperative management. Surgical areas can include:

  • Digestive Tract
  • Abdomen
  • Skin and Soft Tissue
  • Head and Neck
  • Endocrine System
  • Surgical Treatment of Cancer