Rutherford Regional Health System Advances Surgical Care Close to Home

Rutherford Regional Health System is pleased to announce the expansion of access to advanced surgical care with the addition of the da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic-assisted technology that allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision.

 The $2.2 million investment from Lifepoint Health, the parent company of Rutherford Regional Health System, expands access to advanced surgical care for patients throughout Rutherford County and surrounding communities. The first robotic-assisted procedures at Rutherford Regional were successfully completed over the last two weeks by general surgeons Dr. Andrew Demeusy, Chief of Surgery, and Dr. Thomas L. Eisenhauer. The technology will initially support a variety of minimally invasive general surgery procedures, including appendix repairs, hernia repairs, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other minimally invasive general surgery procedures, with the potential to expand services in the future.

For patients, robotic-assisted surgery can mean smaller incisions, less pain, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker recovery when compared to traditional surgeries. The technology also allows surgeons to operate with enhanced precision, flexibility, and visualization during procedures.

While often referred to as a “robot,” the system does not operate independently. Every movement is completely controlled by the surgeon in real time. Using advanced instruments and highly magnified 3D visualization, surgeons are able to perform delicate procedures with greater precision through minimally invasive techniques.

“This investment reflects Rutherford Regional’s continued commitment to expanding access to advanced healthcare in Rutherford County,” said Sudandra Ratnasamy, CEO of Rutherford Regional Health System. “Patients in rural communities should not have to travel far from home to access innovative surgical options. We are proud to continue expanding the level of care we can provide right here in our community.”

“As president of Isothermal Community College and as a member of the Rutherford Regional Health System Board of Trustees, I see this advancement as an important investment not only in patient care, but also in the future health care workforce our community will depend on,” said Margaret Annunziata. “Technologies like robotic-assisted surgery are changing the way care is delivered, and they underscore the importance of education, training, and strong partnerships between health care providers and institutions like Isothermal. By expanding access to advanced care close to home, Rutherford Regional is helping prepare our region for the future of health care while creating new opportunities for students, professionals, and the communities we serve.”

The addition of robotic-assisted surgery is part of Rutherford Regional’s ongoing commitment to making communities healthier through continued investment in technology, services, and specialized care. As a community hospital, Rutherford Regional Health System remains focused on bringing high-quality healthcare close to home so patients can receive advanced care while staying connected to the support of family and friends.

For more information about surgical services at Rutherford Regional Health System, visit MyRutherfordRegional.com/surgical-services.

What Should We Name Our New Robot?

Our new da Vinci Surgical System needs a name—and we want the community's help!

Submit your best name suggestion for Rutherford Regional's new surgical robot. Our General Surgeons will select the winning entry, and the official name will be revealed at a community open house event this September.

Think you've got the perfect name? Submit your idea here: Help Name Our New Robotic Surgery System | Rutherfordton, NC