Loma Linda University MC Touts Single-Incision Robotic Gallbladder Removal

A doctor at Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital has performed "the first single-incision gallbladder removal using robotic technology in the Inland Empire," a spokesman for the hospital announced Monday.

Dr. Carlos Garberoglio did the surgery on a patient Thursday July 26 using new da Vinci Robotic Surgical System technology at Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital, according to the announcement. Dr. Maheswari Senthil assisted Garberoglio in performing the operation.

Garberoglio is chairman of the Department of Surgery and chief of surgical oncology at Loma Linda University Medical Center, hospital spokesman Herbert Atienza said in a statement.

The da Vinci technology "allows surgeons to perform minimally-invasive surgery on patients, including removal of the gallbladder, through a single incision in the belly button," Atienza said.

The gallbladder removal was another step in development of the robotic and minimally invasive surgery program at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Garberoglio said. Single port surgery is beneficial for patients "because there will probably be less pain, definitely better cosmetic results, and we can hope the patient will return quickly to normal activity," Garberoglio said.

In the past, surgeries like gallbladder removal were performed through open surgery, which involves large incisions in the abdomen, or through multiple, small, incisions for laparoscopic surgery, Atienza said.

"We are pleased to be the first hospital in the region to offer this technologically-advanced surgery and are proud of these surgeons for their leadership in providing our community with the latest minimally-invasive surgical options," Lyndon Edwards, administrator of Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital, said in prepared remarks.

Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital is a 28-bed facility, and it is part of Loma Linda University Medical Center. LLUMC is billed as the only Level 1 trauma Center in San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, and Mono counties.

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