Back to enjoying life after single-port robotic surgery

When a routine colonoscopy led to unexpected complications requiring a colostomy bag, Darien wasn’t sure what his future looked like. Working on his family’s farm demands physical stamina and long days outdoors. That’s why finding a surgeon who could reverse the procedure meant everything.

His surgeon, Neil Gibson, MD, with North Florida Surgeons, was the first in Jacksonville to perform a colostomy reversal using the innovative single-port robotic system, which is controlled by the surgeon from a console.

The system translates the surgeon's movements into precise actions, with high-definition 3D images which provide a magnified, detailed view of the patient’s surgical area.

“I was not familiar at all with robotic surgery,” Darien said, “but I was very relieved the colostomy could be reversed, and I could get back to working on my family’s farm.”

A smarter approach: Single-port robotic surgery

Traditional surgery, even some robotic procedures, requires multiple incisions. The single-port robotic system allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through a single, tiny incision. In this case, Dr. Gibson was able to go in through the stoma (an opening in the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body) rather than creating a new incision.

Benefits of using a single-port system include greater surgical precision, reduced pain and scarring, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and lower risk of complications.

Personal care and follow-up

“Dr. Gibson was so down to earth,” said Darien. “He took the time to explain every detail and made me feel comfortable.”

After just one night at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Darien was able to return home, and he was pleasantly surprised when Dr. Gibson called to check on him personally.

Darien was back on the farm and enjoying life just one week after surgery. “I am thrilled to have my life back,” Darien said. “And very grateful for the team at Baptist Jacksonville.”