When it comes to hernia repair, patients today have more options than ever before—thanks to advancements in robotic-assisted surgery. Dr. Audrey Ertel, a General Surgeon at St. Elizabeth is helping patients recover faster and feel better with this innovative approach. “A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall,” explains Dr. Ertel. “We …

Robotic surgery is revolutionizing the field of general surgery, offering patients and surgeons new possibilities for safer, less invasive and more precise procedures. At St. Elizabeth, the adoption of cutting-edge technology like the da Vinci 5 Surgical System has positioned the region as a leader in robotic-assisted surgery, with more than 25,000 robot-assisted procedures performed since 2009.   Dr. Michael McAndrew, …

As the calendar winds toward December, many people focus on holiday plans, shopping and year-end deadlines. But for those who’ve been putting off elective surgery, now can be a great time to act. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, you can schedule many surgery procedures close to home, avoid travel hassles and make the most of your insurance benefits before they reset. This …

If joint pain is keeping you from doing the things you love—walking your dog, playing with your grandkids or simply getting a good night’s sleep—it may be time to consider joint replacement surgery. Dr. Matthew Hummel, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, understands that surgery can feel intimidating. But he wants patients to know that joint replacement …

Every year, nearly 320,000 women in the United States receive a breast cancer diagnosis. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 90% include surgery in their treatment plan. St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers the most advanced surgery options to deliver the highest quality care possible. To help you decide whether surgery is the right choice for you, Brianne Nicholas, …

Colorectal surgery can be life-changing for patients dealing with chronic digestive issues, pain or cancer. At St. Elizabeth, colorectal surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including diverticulitis, colon cancer, hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Many of these procedures are elective, meaning they can be scheduled in advance and tailored to each patient’s needs. Starting with a Conversation Elective surgery doesn’t …

Liver surgeries have typically relied on an open or a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. Robotic-assisted surgery is a new method that shows great promise. In robotic liver surgery, surgeons incorporate robotic technology for added dexterity and to enhance precision during complex procedures. Recent studies suggest robotic liver surgery improves patient health outcomes. “We know robotic-assisted surgery can lead to less …

Few people give their gallbladder — a small, pear-shaped organ beneath the liver that stores bile for digestion — a second thought when it works properly. But if gallstones or other gallbladder-related problems arise, the resulting abdominal pain can severely disrupt day-to-day life. When that occurs, removing the gallbladder laparoscopically may provide the simplest, fastest symptom resolution. Conditions That Require …

At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we believe every patient is unique. And that’s why your surgery should be, too. We personalize each procedure based on your specific needs, medical background and anatomy. This makes surgeries safer. Patients experience a faster recovery and better long-term results. What Is a Personalized Surgery Plan? A personalized surgery plan uses the newest technologies, including 3D …

Robotic surgery at St. Elizabeth Healthcare is nothing new. But the da Vinci 5 Surgical System is. It holds the promise of improving surgical outcomes for people undergoing a variety of surgical procedures. Shorter surgery time and less anesthesia. Reduced pain and better cosmetic results. Decreased risk of complications and a quicker recovery. When you’re having surgery, you’d be happy …