From Indiana Regional Medical Center
Not long ago, Indiana Regional Medical Center announced its 100th robotic case milestone. Raising the bar even
higher this week, da Vinci Xi surgeons/gynecologist’s, Dr. Tracy Gemmell and Dr. Quiniece Hurdle successfully
completed the first robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery. While this is the first robotic-assisted gynecological case
at IRMC, Dr. Gemmell, an Indiana County native, has performed hundreds of robotic-assisted cases herself and
is a trailblazer in her field.
The da Vinci Xi robot is used for colorectal, urologic and gynecologic surgeries. For gynecologic surgeries, it is used
specifically for: Hysterectomy (Benign/Malignant), Endometriosis Resection, Myomectomy (remove uterine
fibroids), and Sacrocolpopexy (repair pelvic organ prolapse).
While most patients require an overnight stay for recovery, due to the benefit of the robot, patients are typically
able to go home a few hours after. Additional benefits of a robotic assisted surgery include: minimally invasive,
reduced pain and discomfort, less down time and quicker recovery, minimal scarring.
IRMC’s Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Director, Dan Clark, MD, states “This is an exciting time
for IRMC. This extension of services that weren’t previously offered here are a testament to IRMC’s continued
commitment to provide cutting edge, minimally invasive options locally. Dr. Gemmell is one of the most
experienced robotic gynecologic surgeons in Western PA.”
