John Ditslear, MD, FACS, at Clarian Bariatrics, performed Indiana’s first da Vinci® Surgical System weight loss surgery Monday, October 18, at Clarian North Medical Center in Carmel, Indiana. The surgery, a roux-en y gastric bypass surgery, was performed on two patients who are both recovering well post-operation.
Gastric bypass is a treatment for obesity that permanently resizes the stomach and reroutes the digestive tract, which limits food intake and calorie absorption. The da Vinci® Surgical System provides a minimally invasive surgical option for a variety of procedures through its robotic technology. Dr. Ditslear has been performing laparoscopic surgery for 12 years and gastric bypass for 10 years.
“Virtually all weight loss surgeries performed at Clarian Bariatrics are laparoscopic surgeries, which are less invasive than open surgery,” explains Dr. Ditslear. “Additionally, da Vinci surgery offers similar benefits to the patient, such as less recovery time, less pain, and less risk of infection. It also enhances the patient’s safety by lowering the risk of complications.”
One of the largest benefits of da Vinci weight loss surgery is for those patients who may not qualify for laparoscopic surgery due to severe morbid obesity, or extensive revision procedures. In the past, those patients had to resort to open surgery, but with the da Vinci technology, they may qualify for this less invasive surgery.
The da Vinci® Surgical System provides surgeons with benefits as well, including more precision and improved control of the instruments, better visualization, and fewer complications. Although it is often referred to as a “robot”, the da Vinci cannot act on its own, and is controlled entirely by the surgeon. Doctors may perform complex procedures with just a few tiny openings. This allows patients to get back to their normal routines, and back to life, faster.
In addition to his experience with laparoscopic surgery and gastric bypass surgery, Dr. Ditslear has had hours of extensive training with the da Vinci robot, including travel to Orlando for case observation and training in the lab. “I am very pleased we are able to offer our patients the best surgical options,” says Dr. Ditslear.
To arrange an interview with Dr. Ditslear or one of the patients, please contact Libby Springer at [email protected]. To learn more about Clarian North, visit www.clariannorth.com.