Geisinger Lewistown Hospital introduces advanced surgical care options with specialized space and robotic-assisted technology
LEWISTOWN, Pa. – Residents of Mifflin County and the surrounding region now have access to advanced surgery care options as Geisinger Lewistown Hospital has added robotic-assisted surgery technology and upgraded a hybrid surgical suite to better serve patients.
“Robotic-assisted surgery has many benefits to the patient,” said Dr. Michael Hegstrom, chief medical officer, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. “In general, patients and physicians prefer minimally invasive surgeries, like those offered through robotic technology, because they offer decreased risk of complications, smaller scars, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and reduced pain.”
The da Vinci Surgical System is part of the investment in updated surgical suites now open at the hospital. The da Vinci system will be used for the following specialties: colorectal surgery including colon resection; gynecologic procedures including hysterectomy, ovary removal and uterine fibroid removal; general surgery procedures including gallbladder removal and hernia repair; and urology procedures including prostate and kidney surgery. These minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgeries remove cancers or treat non-cancerous conditions.
Robotic-assisted surgery is minimally invasive. The surgeon controls robotic arms from a high-definition console and monitor. The monitor allows the surgeon to see fine details and critical structures more clearly for improved safety and have increased control for maximum precision.
The hybrid surgical suite combines a traditional operating room with precise imaging capabilities that allow for image-guided, complex surgical procedures all in one surgical room. The new surgical space provides more access to services like interventional radiology, vascular surgery, cardiology and pain management, among others.
The new technology adds to the hospital’s repertoire of advanced surgical options, which also include Mako robotic-arm-assisted joint replacement technology.
“We’re committed to making better health easier for our neighbors in Mifflin, Centre, Juniata and Huntingdon counties,” said Kirk Thomas, chief administrative officer, Geisinger Western Region. “The addition of the da Vinci technology and upgraded hybrid space means our patients will have access to new care options. We’re excited for how these investments will benefit the health of our community as they receive this advanced care close to home.”
Visit here for information on:
• Robotic surgery
• General surgery and hernia repair
• Colorectal surgery
• Gynecological surgery
• Urology and urologic surgery
About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the non-profit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 134 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses, and Geisinger Health Plan, with 600,000 members in commercial and government plans. The Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,600 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $14 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
