Patients in North Mississippi have a unique option for gallbladder surgery. OCH Regional Medical Center is the only facility in the region offering single-site robotic gallbladder removal. Board-certified general surgeon Roger Clapp, MD, FACS, is the only surgeon in North Mississippi to offer this cutting-edge technology using the da Vinci SI Robotic Surgical System at OCH. Instead of using several incisions, Dr. Clapp operates through one tiny incision using robotic assistance, which typically results in less pain, less scarring and a quicker return to normal activities for patients.

After years of stomach pain and nausea that progressively worsened, Sara Watkins opted to undergo single-site robotic gallbladder removal by Dr. Clapp at OCH.

“I made an appointment with Dr. Parsons in Ackerman after having yet another night of horrible stomach pain.  I saw several physicians, but Dr. Parsons took time and listened to me,” said Watkins.  “He ordered an ultrasound on my gallbladder and even went one step further and ordered a HIDA Scan, which showed my gallbladder wasn’t functioning properly,” she explained.

Watkins made an appointment with Dr. Clapp in Starkville who explained single-site robotic general surgery to her.

“Neither single-site nor robotic surgery is new, but combining the two is what makes this procedure so advanced and beneficial to the patient,” explained Dr. Clapp.  “This technology allows the surgeon to utilize superior video quality and more precise maneuvers through one very small incision.  Patients usually experience less pain, a quicker recovery and better cosmetic results.  It’s very exciting to be on the forefront and be a leader in using this advanced surgical technology for the benefit of my patients,” he added.

“I am so glad I had this surgery because I feel so much better!  The incision was literally hidden in my belly button.  I had very little tenderness and swelling, which would’ve been much worse if I had chosen to have laparoscopic surgery with multiple incisions,” said Watkins.

Watkins said she’s thankful single-site robotic surgery is available at OCH.  “I live in Louisville and could’ve gone to Jackson or Meridian to have this surgery, but because of OCH and Dr. Clapp, I was able to stay close to home to have the most advanced procedure, and not have a long drive home after surgery,” said Watkins.  “OCH is up-to-date on procedures and has plenty of resources, so I felt secure that if anything went wrong, they could handle the situation. I couldn’t have had a better experience,” Watkins added.

For more information about surgical services offered at OCH, click here. For gallbladder removal, hernia repair, or other general surgery services, make an appointment with Dr. Clapp by calling his office at (662) 324-1310, ext. 201.