Embracing robotic surgery advances

Brought to you by MERCY HEALTH

Going back to his childhood, Dr. Derek Ornelas always seemed to have an eye on the career path he would choose later in life.

“I’ve always wanted to be a surgeon,” he said. “I even have an eighth-grade career report saying as much.”

While undergoing his surgical training at Michigan State University and Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Dr. Ornelas was first introduced to robotic-assisted surgical procedures.

“I was very fortunate to have worked with and learned from many skilled surgeons, and I was able to see how the robot made complex and very difficult procedures possible and easier,” he said.

Now as a surgeon for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Dr. Ornelas applies his robotics experience to general surgical procedures.

“A good surgeon never stops learning and evolving,” he said. “The robotic platform is allowing me to do minimally invasive procedures safely and reliably with excellent results.”

And the list of procedures that can be done with robotic technology continues to grow.

“Really most abdominal surgeries can be done,” he said. “Also, we are finding that it is excellent for hernia repairs, colon resections for diverticulitis and cancers, bariatric procedures, anti-reflux surgeries, and gall bladders. What used to be done open can be done better on the robot in many cases.”

Compared to standard laparoscopic surgeries, robotic-assisted procedures offer many advantages.

“Dexterity is increased as the instruments are wristed, making it much easier to maneuver when operating,” Dr. Ornelas said. “Visualization is also improved with better cameras that are equipped with zoom and increased depth perception along with 3D HD visualization. You can visualize tissue and structures better because of this amazing technology.”

Further, robotic-assisted procedures offer a major benefit to patients – less pain after surgery and quicker recovery times.

“Patients now can have a very complex procedure performed and return home much sooner in most cases,” Dr. Ornelas said. “Also, we want our patients to have no pain at all if possible. With the opioid crisis, we are overly aware of the dangers of pain medications, and I’ve seen tremendous growth in these areas.”

When patients are first presented with the option of robotic-assisted surgeries, Dr. Ornelas pointed out most seem excited about the technology. Others seem to have a little trepidation.

“Some patients think the robot is operating while we’re off drinking coffee or something,” he said. “It’s important to help them understand it’s just a tool that helps us do the surgery a little bit easier and helps them recover faster. We are in control of the robot and directing it at all times.”

Dr. Ornelas also feels Mercy Health has a unique advantage locally, due to its commitment of staying at the forefront of robotic technology.

“As the robotic capabilities continue to evolve, we are dedicated to remaining on top of everything and adapting,” he said. “We have already upgraded or are in the process of upgrading all of the robots to the latest model, which helps us provide the best medical service possible.”

For more information on general surgical procedures, visit www.mercy.com.