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As a whole, my experience was great. Robotic surgery is a nice option. I had very small incisions. After my surgery, I recovered very quickly and was out walking within 4-5 days of being home. I would recommend RMC, Dr. Messerly, and the OR staff to anybody. The team is just great!
Janel Smith, first robotic surgery patient, Manchester resident, and RMC employee
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Surgical Services

Dr. Randall Messerly performs robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy, and general surgery, as well as state-of-the-art ultrasound procedures. Dr. Grace Wang, OB/GYN Specialist, is also available for robotic women's health surgeries, such as hysterectomies. 

In addition to our skilled surgeons, our staff includes nurse anesthetists to provide pain management and regional anesthesia, registered nurses, and surgical technicians to provide comfort and care throughout your entire surgical experience. 

Our Surgical Services Department consists of three high-tech operating suites including one da Vinci robotic surgery system as well as one endoscopy/minor surgical suite.Talk to your healthcare provider about surgical options available for your surgery at RMC. Laparoscopic with endoscopic and general surgery and open surgeries are still be performed for certain procedures as each case is unique. Call 563-927-7301 to learn more.

Robotic surgery is a progressive approach to providing minimally invasive surgery.

What are some benefits of robotic surgery? 

Robotic surgery is an innovative, progressive approach to providing minimally invasive surgery. It is designed to assist with laparoscopic surgical procedures. Contrary to some perceptions, the robot does not work on its own. It is a complex tool a surgeon uses.

  • Improved visibility with 3D camera
  • Pinpoint precision
  • Increased surgeon efficiency
  • Helps minimize potential complications for the patient
  • Flexibility of the robot, letting surgeon work in small spaces with less difficulty
  • As robotic surgery grows, many major surgeries will be done through a single, small incision

Robotic surgeries performed:

  • Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
  • Colon resection
  • Gallbladder
  • Hernia Repairs (Ventral and Inguinal)
  • Hysterectomy (uterus removal)
  • Nissen fundoplication (treatment for Hiatal hernia and Reflux disease)
  • Sacral colpopexy (female pelvic organ prolapse)
  • Spleenectomy (spleen removal)
  • and more...

da Vinci Robot Features:

3D HD Vision:

Three-dimensional, enhanced high-definition vision with up to 10x magnification offers surgeons an immersive view of the operative field.

EndoWrist Instrumentation:

EndoWrist Instruments are designed to provide surgeons with natural dexterity and a range of motion greater than the human hand.

Intuitive Motion:

Maintains a corresponding eye-hand-instrument tip alignment allowing for intuitive instrument control, which helps to replicate the experience of open surgery. The surgeon's hand movements are scaled, filtered, and seamlessly translated to the robotic arms and instruments at the patient's side.

Visual Resolution:

1080i HD resolution provides unsurpassed visual clarity for precise visualization of target anatomy.

Fingertip Controls:

Enhanced master controllers allow for precise, dexterous control of the EndoWrist instruments.  Motion scaling settings enable seamless adjustments of hand-to-instrument movement ratios.

Footswitch Panel:

The footswitch panel enables the surgeon to perform a multitude of tasks such as swapping between different types of energy instruments, and is scalable to support future instrument applications.

How does the robot work?

Surgeon Console:

The surgeon console is the center of the da Vinci system. The surgeon sits at this console and operates the instruments using hand and foot controls.

Patient Cart:

The patient cart is positioned precisely with the remote arms of the robot over the patient. The hand and foot controls at the surgeon console operate these arms attached to surgical instruments. Surgical staff are positioned at the patient cart or operating table to ensure the correct placement of the surgical instruments and to further monitor the patient.

A very small 3D camera and dime-sized surgical instruments are placed inside the patient through tiny incisions. The camera gives the surgeon a magnified 360 degree view of the operative field.

Vision Cart:

The vision cart includes a monitor, allowing all of the medical staff in the operating room to see the operative field. The staff are able to observe the surgery and anticipate steps needed to assist the surgeon in completing the procedure.

Preparing for Surgery

We want to help you feel prepared and comfortable throughout your surgical experience.

  1. Discuss the details of your procedure with your provider including special requests you may have during your time at RMC, then contact us at 563-927-7301 so we can work with you and your provider to meet your needs.
  2. Discuss all medications you are taking and any you might need to take following surgery with your primary healthcare provider and your surgeon. [Moved] Provide the names of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins that you are currently taking. You may be asked to hold on some medications prior to surgery.
  3. Prior to orientation, complete a required Medical History. An accurate, up-to-date medical history aids us in providing safe care for you.
  4. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage details and pre-certification in advance. If you have questions about the cost of your procedure, please contact the Billing Department at 563-927-7535.
  5. Make arrangements for transportation to and from the hospital the day of your surgery and for someone to stay with you when you return home.

Contact us with any questions or concerns about your surgery and/or preparation at 563-927-7301.

The Day of Surgery

  • Follow all instructions on the Surgical Information Sheet provided in the blue RMC folder you were given at Orientation.
  • Understand and follow the instructions your provider gave for taking medications prior to surgery.
  • Follow instructions regarding food and drink. Your surgery or procedure could be canceled or postponed if you don't follow restrictions.
  • You may be given skin prep, eye prep, or special procedure preparation.
  • Bathe and dress in loose comfortable clothes, removing make-up and nail polish. Leave your jewelry at home, wear glasses rather than contacts, and bring along a case for your glasses.
  • Bring your insurance and/or Medicare card, the forms provided, to the hospital at the time provided to you. 

When you arrive for surgery, please park Parking Lots 2 or 3. Use Entrance E for Emergency & Surgery. Check in at the West Registration (Emergency/Surgery) desk.