ACMH Hospital recently completed its 1,000th robotic surgery. Celebrating are, from left, Lisa Frank, certified surgical technician; Cynthia Waugaman, RN.; Dr. Sarun Suwan; Angela McIlwain, robotic coordinator; Dr. Ricky Clay; and Heather Miklos, physician assistant.

ACMH Hospital in Kittanning has completed its 1,000th robotic surgery using the da Vinci Xi tool it acquired in 2019.

Trained ACMH surgeons use the robotic tool to perform 10 surgeries at the hospital, including gall bladder, kidney, fallopian tube and spleen removal, appendectomy and hernia repair.

Dr. Ricky Clay and Dr. Sarun Suwan pioneered the program at ACMH.

Clay continues to mentor and educate fellow surgeons on robotic procedures at the hospital.

“Robotic surgery allows me to perform procedures that could otherwise be impossible with traditional laparoscopic techniques,” Clay said. “This is the way of the future; we are able to provide immense value to the patient by diminishing complications and recovery times.”

Suwan has performed 500 robotic procedures in just 2.5 years.

“What initially impressed me was looking at the numbers comparing robotic techniques to laparoscopic surgeries,” he said. “I was immediately blown away by the improved visuals and precision.”

John Lewis, ACMH president and CEO, said 10 surgeons use robotic surgery at the hospital.

“Our commitment to innovation and a history of technological advances continues to benefit the patients in our region,” he said.

The da Vinci Xi, which is totally controlled by a surgeon during an operation, provides a level of precision not feasible with traditional techniques, ACMH officials said.