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Memorial surgeons perform first robotic gastric bypass

A pair of experienced bariatric surgeons made medical history Dec. 3 when they performed Niagara County’s first robotic-assisted laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Dr. Dang Tuan Pham and Dr. Bala Thatigotla performed the procedure in Memorial’s new robotic surgical suite using the da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System.

“This successful procedure was the first of many that we will be performing in Niagara,” said Dr. Pham, who specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted metabolic and weight loss surgery. “Dr. Bala and I are excited about the potential for using robotic gastric bypass surgery to provide patients with life-changing opportunities to treat obesity and related diseases while helping them live longer, healthier lives.”

“This surgery can be a lifesaver and a life-changer for people with serious weight issues,” added Dr. Bala who, prior to joining Memorial’s medical staff, specialized in advanced laparoscopic surgery/bariatric and robotic surgery at the prestigious Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Gastric bypass surgery helps obese individuals lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach. When performed laparoscopically surgeons make very small incisions, which can result in fewer complications, shorter hospitalizations, quicker recovery and less pain.

The unique design of the da Vinci System provides surgeons with superior ergonomics required for this technically demanding laparoscopic procedure.

The da Vinci® Si™ System is a state-of-the-art surgical platform with 3D, high-definition vision and patented surgical instruments designed to take surgery beyond the limits of the human hand.