Brookings Health System

da Vinci Surgery

Brookings Health System offers the most sophisticated surgical technology close to home, da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery. Experienced, highly trained surgeons and staff provide personalized, patient-centered care. The minimally invasive surgical approach provides several patient benefits, including less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quick return to normal daily activities.

Our new da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted surgery system gives surgeons improved access to internal anatomy for gall bladder removal, hernia repair, colon surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, endometriosis surgery, hysterectomy, and myomectomy.

Watch & Learn

Deb Tweed, Keith Welgraven, and Sean Doremus share the benefits of local access to da Vinci robotic procedures. 

General surgeons Dr. Theresa Oey and Dr. Sara Marroquin explain the advantages of da Vinci robotic procedures for gallbladder removal and hernia repair. OBGYNs Dr. Tara Haarsma and Dr. Larissa Bennis explain how they perform hysterectomies using the da Vinci robot.

Firefly Fluorescence Imaging

Our da Vinci Xi system includes Firefly fluorescence imaging which enables real-time visual assessment of vessels, blood flow and tissues. During surgical gallbladder removal, Firefly allows surgeons to assess the ducts that connect to the gallbladder for bile transport. The Firefly system lets surgeons switch between standard, visible light and near-infrared imaging. When used in conjunction with a fluorescent dye, tissue with blood flow is highlighted green. Tissue without blood flow appears grey. The enhanced imaging increases surgical precision.

Combined Procedures

Our da Vinci Xi system allows us to offer combined robotic procedures for women who know they need both gynecological and general surgery procedures. The surgeons use the same set of incisions to perform each of their respective procedures. Once the first surgery is finished, the da Vinci robot is rested for the next procedure. Performing the combined surgeries means one anesthesia, one recovery period, and one time away from work. It also equals fewer out-of-pocket costs for the patient.

Brookings Health’s smaller footprint gives the surgical team the nimbleness to provide combined surgery requests for qualified patients. General surgeons and gynecologists work together to determine the appropriateness of combined procedures for the patient. The surgeons also modify their schedules to accommodate the patient’s needs.

Illustration of da Vinci incisions versus open incisionsKey Benefits of da Vinci surgery include:

  • Patient Benefits: less pain, shorter hospital stay, reduced infection risk, less blood loss, and smaller incisions with minimal scarring, helping patients quickly return to work and daily activities.
  • Enhanced Surgeon Capabilities: robot provides greater precision, superior vision, and enhanced dexterity while remaining 100% under physician control.
  • Highly-Trained, Expert Staff: experienced surgeons and a dedicated da Vinci surgical team undergo comprehensive training to perform procedures and care for patients.
  • Why Choose Brookings Health: offers the latest technology while providing personalized care tailored to the patient.

System Providers:

Kirstin Sholes, M.D.

Kirstin Sholes, M.D.

 
  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecological Surgery
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
  • Brookings Hospital
Larissa Bennis, M.D.

Larissa Bennis, M.D.

 
  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecological Surgery
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
  • Brookings Hospital
Sara Marroquin, MD, MPH

Sara Marroquin, MD, MPH

 
  • General Surgery
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
  • Brookings Hospital
Tara Haarsma, D.O.

Tara Haarsma, D.O.

 
  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecological Surgery
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
  • Brookings Hospital
Theresa Oey, M.D.

Theresa Oey, M.D.

 
  • General Surgery
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
  • Brookings Hospital