CMC Makes NH History Thanks largely to the technology of da Vinci® Surgical Systems, Catholic Medical Center is now able to take what has traditionally been a major surgical procedure and turned it into a minimally invasive procedure for women. It is a major medical development for what is the second most common surgery in the country today. Last Friday afternoon, Dr. Cecelia Clemans performed the state’s first ever robotic assisted single site procedure. On Saturday, that patient went home and she continues a speedy recovery. Thanks to this new technology, this hysterectomy requires a much shorter recovery time, with few complications. “I am pleased with the recovery of the patient,” says Dr. Clemans. “This procedure reflects our hospital’s goal to boost health care outcomes for patients through new technology. This is terrific news for the many women who are candidates for this procedure. Each year in the United States, roughly 600,000 women undergo hysterectomy. It is one of the most common surgeries performed on women across the country. Patients diagnosed with endometriosis, uncontrollable bleeding or infection, tumors, pelvic complications and cancer are candidates for this procedure. The difference is in the approach. The traditional surgical procedure required a large incision on the patient and an in-hospital recovery time of 2-3 days, followed by six weeks of limited activity. This new procedure requires one small incision in the umbilicus with little to no scaring in the opening, which allows women to return home the day after surgery and fully recover from the operation in half the time. “This is the first operation of this kind using da Vinci® technology, and we are proud to lead the way,” says Dr. Joseph Pepe, President and CEO of Catholic Medical Center. “Our new surgical approach reflects our mission: health, healing and hope with high quality services.”