Summerville Medical Center Performs First Surgery with the Most Advanced Robotic System in the Lowcountry

Surgeon Michael Michel, MD and the Summerville Medical Center surgical team performing the first surgery with the advanced robotic system

SUMMERVILLE MEDICAL CENTER PERFORMS FIRST SURGERY WITH THE MOST ADVANCED MINIMALLY INVASIVE ROBOTIC SYSTEM IN THE LOWCOUNTRY
Providing Cutting Edge Care Close to Home

Charleston, SC (November 14, 2018) – General surgeon Michael Michel, MD at Summerville Medical Center has successfully performed the first surgery on the hospital’s new state-of-the-art minimally invasive robotic system. This is the most advanced robotic system in the Lowcountry.

“With this new advanced robotic system, the recovery time for our patients is significantly shorter,” explained Dr. Michael Michel. “We are able to take care of our patients in a minimally invasive way that allows them to experience less post-surgical pain, shorter hospital stay, less need for pain medication, and a quicker return to their normal lives.”

Last week Summerville Medical Center opened Phase 1 of a $61 million Women’s Services & Surgical Services expansion, adding to the hospital’s full spectrum of services and care for the Lowcountry. As part of Phase 1, the hospital opened a new surgical wing with 18 patient beds and two operating rooms, and a second minimally invasive robotic system.

“What our physicians and surgical teams have accomplished is truly remarkable,” commented Lisa Valentine, CEO of Summerville Medical Center. “We have helped thousands of men and women change their health and their lives for the better. We are proud to offer our Lowcountry families a wide range of services and care, including our robotic surgery program, that helps them get back to their families and their normal daily activities faster.”

The most advanced minimally invasive robotic system in the Lowcountry, our surgeons are able to operate with enhanced vision, precision, and control. The surgeon sits at a console while viewing a high-definition 3D image of the anatomy, and grasps the master controls with hands and wrists naturally positioned. Four robotic arms hold an endoscope (camera) and surgical instruments to carry out the surgeon’s commands. The system seamlessly translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movement of the surgical instruments positioned inside the patient’s body. These instruments can bend and rotate far greater than both traditional instruments and the human wrist. Every surgical maneuver is under the direct control of the surgeon.

This year Trident Health, comprised of Summerville and Trident Medical Centers, Centre Point Emergency, and Moncks Corner Medical Center, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its minimally invasive robotic surgery program. Trident Health’s robotic surgery program is the second busiest in South Carolina and the busiest in the Lowcountry.

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Summerville Medical Center is a 124-bed, acute-care hospital with a 24-hour emergency room, a dedicated ER for children, and comprehensive medical services. The facility enjoys an enviable reputation for its women’s and children’s services including "home-like" birthing suites. Surgical services include orthopedic, reflux, robotic and weight loss surgeries. Summerville Medical Center is part of Trident Health, which has earned recognition as a leader in the delivery of healthcare in the Lowcountry.

For more than 40 years staff and physicians at Trident Health have provided acute healthcare services to families in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Services are provided through its two hospitals, Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center; two freestanding emergency departments, Moncks Corner Medical Center and Centre Pointe Emergency; and two urgent care centers, CareNow Urgent Care Goose Creek and CareNow Urgent Care North Charleston. Both hospitals have received top ranking as Joint Commission Top Hospitals for Quality Performance and are Joint Commission Certified for Advanced Heart Failure and Advanced Primary Stroke Centers. Trident Health is one of the South Carolina Lowcountry’s largest employers with more than 2,500 employees and has a medical staff of nearly 500 physicians. In 2017 it provided $47.6 million in uncompensated care and paid $35.5 million in local, state and federal taxes. To learn more about how Trident Health is growing to meet the needs of our growing region and how to join our team go to www.tridenthealthsystem.com.


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