Wellstar Cherokee Health Park

Robotic surgery has transformed how surgeons care for patients with new innovations yet again. At Wellstar, continued investment in advanced technology is helping elevate surgical care across specialties—giving patients the option to have more precise and less invasive procedures that are easier to recover from.

“Technology continues to advance to provide newer and safer alternatives to treat our patients,” said Dr. Aaron Bolduc, a general surgeon at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center. “As we adopt this new technology, we are able to lead the way in patient care with excellent outcomes.

Wellstar has expanded its robotic surgery program with the addition of the Da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system—also known as the DV5—at most locations, along with new applications for single-port surgery. These innovations build on years of robotic experience while helping clinicians deliver world-class care and train the physicians of the future.

Fast recoveries

The latest technologies continue to redefine what’s possible in surgery, including even shorter hospital stays and faster recovery timelines.

Dr. Jay Singh, Wellstar chief surgical officer and a colon and rectal surgeon, said significantly smaller incisions make a big impact: “That is potentially huge from the standpoint of patient satisfaction, decreased pain, quicker recovery time, a decrease in narcotics used and a quicker return to work.”

The impact is so great that some robotic procedures that previously required a few nights in the hospital are now being done as outpatient procedures, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their homes.

DV5: A new level of precision

The DV5 represents a significant step forward in robotic surgery—notably for surgeon awareness and control. One of its most notable advancements is force feedback: “The ability to sense hard and soft tissue during robotic surgeries is a game changer,” said Dr. Julie Chang, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist. She was the first surgeon to use the DV5 system at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center.

“Surgeries will be even more precise and efficient with this tool, which will further reduce post-operative pain and make recovery time faster,” said Dr. Chang.

The machine’s sensory feedback means surgeons can apply the exact amount of pressure needed.

“The DV5 allows the surgeon to sense how much push-or-pull force they apply to delicate structures in the body,” said Dr. Fritz Jean-Pierre, a bariatric surgeon at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. “Less strain means less trauma and potential injury, leading to faster patient recovery.”

Wellstar’s robotic program is grounded in decades of experience, combined with a commitment to adopt best‑in‑class technology.

“Having performed robotic surgery for well over 20 years, I started with the very first Da Vinci surgical robot,” said Dr. Scott Miller, Wellstar director of robotic surgical services and a urologist at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “I was amazed when that came around, but I never cease to be amazed by every advancement. Now we have introduced the DV5 model to most Wellstar locations with 10,000 times processing power.”

With that comes enhanced visualization, instrument responsiveness and precision across a wide range of procedures.

“The DV5 is ideal for many urologic procedures, such as prostate and kidney removal, bladder surgery and urinary tract reconstruction,” Dr. Miller said. “The improved range-of-motion and visualization features help us protect healthy tissues and nerves.”

More patients of all ages, from young adults to busy families and seniors, are visiting Wellstar Urgent Care, attracted by the convenience and accessibility to skilled providers.

Urgent care is the appropriate first stop for many non-emergency situations, such as respiratory ailments, sports injuries and falls. You can make same-day appointments, walk in to one of our Urgent Care Centers or have a Virtual Urgent Care visit.

“It’s great for patients to have a place they know they can get in that day if they need to—for themselves or for their children,” said Dr. Andrew Thornton, a family medicine physician. Dr. Thornton is the lead physician at Wellstar Urgent Care in Holly Springs, Alpharetta and Woodstock.

“What I do to help patients in urgent care is very rewarding, and I think it fills a huge need in healthcare today.”

Need a visit quickly? Urgent care may be the answer

Many Wellstar Urgent Care locations have extended hours and are equipped to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, such as:

• Cough, congestion, sore throat, fever and body aches
• Stomach aches and distress
• Respiratory viruses, such as flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Sprains, strains and broken bones
• Injuries from falls, workplace accidents or sports

The centers have X-ray and CT scanning equipment, and you can get school and sports physicals. The centers also administer vaccines recommended by clinicians to prevent serious illnesses.

Urgent care can help avoid unnecessary and costly emergency room visits. But it's important to remember that the Emergency Department is the right place in any potentially life-threatening situation. Dr. Thornton advised that you should head to the emergency room if you have any of these symptoms:

• Severe chest pain, especially with tightness or squeezing
• Open wounds with uncontrolled or rapid bleeding
• Sudden severe pain
• Traumatic injury, such as from a motor vehicle accident
• Active shortness of breath
• Suicidal thoughts
• Stroke-like symptoms, such as:
• Trouble speaking
• Sudden difficulty walking
• Arm or leg weakness
• Sudden vision loss
• Confusion

Urgent care fills some of today’s healthcare gaps

Wellstar is continually seeking ways to meet the evolving needs and preferences of patients and our communities.

A Kaiser Family Foundation 2018 poll found that 45% of adults ages 18 to 29 didn’t have a primary care provider. The number was 28% for adults ages 30 to 49.

Not having a primary care provider leaves you with few options if you become ill or injured. It also means you aren’t getting care that could detect serious illnesses early, when they are more treatable.

Find a primary care provider near you.

It’s not surprising that many Gen Z and millennial patients use urgent care. According to an article in The  Journal of Urgent Care Medicine, around 36% reported having been to an urgent care clinic in the past six months.

Busy families are also frequent visitors to urgent care, a fact that Dr. Thornton said he understands firsthand as parent to two children involved in sports.

Among the common injuries Dr. Thornton sees in urgent care are sports injuries, including concussions.

“As a parent, I’ve experienced the anxiety you feel when your child is suddenly sick or hurt and you don’t know if you can get in with the pediatrician that day,” he said.

Technology ties Urgent Care Centers to Wellstar specialists and services

As busy as they may become, urgent care physicians always take the time you need.

Clinicians can use electronic medical records to review your medication list, past test results and other health information. The same system allows urgent care providers to refer you for follow-up with primary care or other specialists at Wellstar.

Often, patients come to urgent care for a provider’s note to explain why they missed work or school. “We’re always happy to see you and provide the documentation you need,” Dr. Thornton said. “But while you’re here, we will do a physical exam. We can also do testing when indicated."

Another benefit to patient care is a mobile application that records patient-provider conversations, transcribes the recordings and drafts a clinical note. Dr. Thornton said the technology frees providers to observe you closely and focus on what you’re saying.

“Patients appreciate anything we can do to keep our focus on them, especially in urgent care,” he said. “It’s a fast-paced environment. We want to be able to give them every minute that we have.”

Learn more about Wellstar Urgent Care

• Know where to go to get care —urgent care, ER, primary care or pharmacy—based on your symptoms and situation.
• Find a Wellstar Urgent Care Center or book a virtual visit.
• Sign up for Wellstar MyChart so you’re ready to make an urgent care visit the next time you or a family member needs one.
• Listen to Dr. Thornton discuss Wellstar Urgent Care practice on 95.5 WSB’s The Weekly Check-Up.