Using Robotics to Expand Surgery Options

Finding the Best Approach for each Individual 

For the average person facing elective surgery, the less invasive, the better. Minimally invasive surgery also called laparoscopic surgery has become a popular option for many patients, who appreciate the reduced scarring and faster recovery times. Robotic surgery offers additional advances, allowing surgeons to use even smaller cuts and to view enlarged 3-D images of the patient’s anatomy during the procedure. 

General surgeon Michael A. Gillespie, MD, has a strong interest in this technology. He recently joined MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center to help meet the community’s need for specialized surgical services. 

“As we’re building the general surgery program, we’re also expanding the outpatient component of the hospital, offering more medical procedures where patients can go home that same day,” said Dr. Gillespie. “Most minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are now outpatient, including hernia and gallbladder.” 

As a community hospital, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center is the ideal location for Dr. Gillespie, who enjoys getting to know his patients. An important part of that relationship is ensuring that patients are involved in the decisions regarding their health. “Patients and family members should be mentally prepared for surgeries, so they need to understand what will happen. I educate them - I’ll diagram or draw pictures so they can see what’s going on and know what to expect.”

Dr. Gillespie received his medical degree from Robert Wood John Medical School. He completed his residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center, and his fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Prior to Dr. Gillespie’s arrival at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, he was an attending physician for the colorectal surgery fellowship at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He has conducted clinical research on many topics, including colectomies, surgical adhesion, minimally invasive hemorrhoidectomy surgery and colorectal advance recovery protocols.

At the cornerstone of robotic surgery is the da Vinci ® Surgical System–a sophisticated platform designed to expand the surgeon's capabilities. Find out how by visiting MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/robotics. For more information, please call 301-877-7353.