Dr. Ryan Herold-Ordonez operating the da Vinci 5 Surgical System. (LRH)
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (KFGO-KBRF) – Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) has reached a major milestone in advancing surgical care close to home, successfully performing its first procedures using the new Intuitive da Vinci 5® Surgical System this week.
The first patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery performed by Dr. Ryan Herold-Ordonez on Monday, marking the culmination of months of planning, specialized training, and community-supported fundraising efforts that brought the state-of-the-art surgical platform to the region.
The da Vinci 5 system represents the latest generation of robotic-assisted surgical technology and expands access to minimally invasive surgical options for patients throughout west-central Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. This expands the robotic surgery services offered at LRH beyond the current orthopedic offerings. Many general surgery and urology procedures at LRH will be performed with the assistance of the da Vinci system, with plans to expand use to other surgical specialties in the future.
The Intuitive da Vinci 5® Surgical System. (LRH)
“Bringing the da Vinci 5 Surgical System to our community reflects Lake Region Healthcare’s commitment to investing in advanced technology that improves patient care and outcomes close to home,” said Kent Mattson, CEO. “We are proud to offer our patients access to leading-edge surgical innovation without the need to travel far from family, work, and support systems.”
Using the da Vinci system, surgeons remain fully in control of every aspect of the procedure. From a nearby console, the surgeon’s hand movements are translated into smaller, highly precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. The system also provides enhanced visualization and dexterity, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions.
For patients, robotic-assisted surgery may offer a number of benefits, including:
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced pain and scarring
- Lower risk of complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery and return to daily activities
“I am incredibly excited to bring robotic surgery to our community,” said Dr. Ryan Herold-Ordonez. “Having this technology available locally gives us another tool to provide patients with advanced surgical care while allowing them to stay closer to home. It is an exciting new chapter for our surgical program, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can use the robot to benefit our patients.”
The acquisition of the da Vinci 5 Surgical System was made possible through a significant investment by Lake Region Healthcare, bolstered by the generosity of donors to the Lake Region Healthcare Foundation.
“We are incredibly grateful to the many donors whose support helped make this transformational advancement possible,” said Kate Bjorge, Foundation Development Director. “Their investment is already making a difference for patients in our region and will continue to do so for years to come.”
SAVE THE DATE:
Community members are invited to get an up-close look at the new da Vinci 5 Surgical System during a special public open house this fall.
Dates: September 29 and 30, during regular clinic hours each day Location: Lake Region Healthcare Clinic Lobby 111 W. Vernon Ave., Fergus Falls
This free event will provide a unique opportunity to see firsthand how robotic-assisted surgery is transforming patient care in our region.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Learn how robotic-assisted technology enhances surgical precision and recovery
- Meet healthcare professionals involved in the robotic surgery program
- Try the surgeon simulator for a hands-on experience operating robotic technology
- Ask questions about robotic-assisted procedures and patient benefits
Whether you’re considering surgery, interested in healthcare innovation, or simply curious about the technology, all community members are welcome to attend.
Additional event details and times will be announced soon.
Story courtesy of Lake Region Healthcare.
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