ST. JOSEPH — Lakeland Health recently became the first freestanding ambulatory surgery center in the tri-state area (Michigan, Indiana and Illinois) and one of only seven in the world, to perform robotic surgery using the da Vinci Xi surgical system.

The first of four Xi surgeries performed to date at the Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph was an abdominal and groin hernia repair by certified robotic surgeon, Roy Winslow, MD.

“Lakeland Health is proud to be leading the way in minimally invasive robotic surgery, not only in southwest Michigan, but throughout the world,” said Lowell Hamel, MD, vice president of medical affairs/chief medical officer. “In 2005, we made the decision to enhance surgery with the use of robotics, and for the past decade, gentle healthcare has been an important aspect of our journey to design perfect patient care.”

In April of 2016, the Lakeland Health board of directors approved the purchase of a third da Vinci Xi surgical robot, making Lakeland the only health system in Michiana with the most advanced Xi technology. The new robot replaced the Si system at the Center for Outpatient Services in an effort to further enhance the outpatient surgery experience.

Robotic surgical systems are also located at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph and Lakeland Hospital, Niles. To date, a total of 15 certified robotic surgeons have performed 1,829 da Vinci surgeries.

Lakeland Health surgeons use the da Vinci surgical system to see inside the body more clearly and perform complex surgeries through tiny incisions. Compared to conventional surgery, da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery may include a number of benefits for patients including faster recovery, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and smaller incisions, among others.

Lakeland Health is a nonprofit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services, and physician practices. Lakeland has over 3,800 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 500 affiliated physicians and other providers. For more information, visit www.lakelandhealth.org.