Fauquier Health Paves the Way in Offering Minimally-Invasive Robotic Surgery

Fauquier Health is working to become a leader in the area in the field of robotics. In March of 2020, Fauquier Health officially announced their acquisition of a $1.8 million da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System to aid in performing a spectrum of minimally-invasive procedures to patients in the areas of bariatric and general surgery. Conditions that are currently being treated using the da Vinci Xi include abdominal wall and hernia repair, colorectal surgery, and surgical weight loss procedures such as gastric bypass surgery.

The first three robotic-assisted procedures were completed on February 20, 2020 and included one hernia repair by Dr. G. Benjamin Wampler, General Surgeon, a second hernia repair by Dr. Andrew Gordon, General Surgeon and a gastric sleeve by Dr. Alexandra Zubowicz, Bariatric and General Surgeon. Today, Fauquier Health can confirm a total of 108 robotic procedures have been completed by the da Vinci Xi robot. 

In June of 2020, Fauquier Heath also made a $1.2 million capital improvement investment to acquire a new spine robot, the ExcelsiusGPS®. Surrounding our area, the closest spine robots reside in Richmond, VA, DC, Baltimore, MD, and West Virginia. To date, nearly 30 robotic spine surgeries have been completed by use of the ExcelsiusGPS® system. Chad Melton, CEO of Fauquier Health commented, “Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, last year was a successful year in helping us to advance our foothold in robotics. The da Vinci Xi surgical system and ExcelsiusGPS® spine robot have allowed us to offer advanced and necessary procedures with a level of accuracy that makes them minimally-invasive. We understand that getting back to work is important to our community members. By having these levels of technology, we can help to assure patients they do not need to live with pain, nor do they need to experience extended periods of recovery time.”

Dr. Charles Seal, surgeon with Blue Ridge Orthopaedic & Spine Center, understands the benefits that this advanced technology brings to the local community and surrounding areas. Dr. Seal shared, “The use of robotics in spine surgery can improve the accuracy in the placement of spinal instrumentation, reduce tissue damage by utilizing more precise and smaller incisions, and reduce radiation exposure to the patient as well as the entire surgical team during spinal surgery.”

The spine robot is used to assist with screw placement and precision during a spine surgery; however, the surgeon ultimately maintains complete control over the robotic movements and is still the one to perform the procedure.

Here at Fauquier Health, we look forward to identifying innovative ways through technology that will help us to maintain a focus on minimally invasive surgical options. Through use of the spine robot, and the da Vinci Xi, patients generally benefit from less tissue damage, shortened hospital stay and less scarring – due to the smaller incisions. These exciting new technologies are designed to improve patient experience and ensure safety and accuracy within the operating room.

For more information on surgical services at Fauquier Health visit FauquierHealth.org and search keywords “Robotic Surgery.”