First Robotic Surgeries Performed at JCH&L

The first robotic surgeries were performed at Jefferson Community Health & Life on Thursday, Jan. 8 using the Intuitive da Vinci 5® surgical platform.

Dr. Brad Olberding, an experienced robotic general surgeon with General Surgery Associates of Lincoln, performed two surgeries, and said he was very pleased. He was very complimentary of the JCH&L Surgery staff and how the OR was set up with the robotic system.

Surgical staff have been preparing for the implementation of the Intuitive da Vinci 5 since the decision was made to purchase it. Their work has involved set up, ordering additional supplies, learning the new system and training.

“You can tell the staff are proud to have this equipment,” Dr. Olberding said. “The amount of work they did really showed.”

Dr. Olberding has performed more than 2,500 robotic procedures and has provided outreach at JCH&L since 2014. He is thrilled to be part of JCH&L offering robotic surgery, and especially the latest generation of da Vinci.

The da Vinci 5 is Intuitive’s most advanced and integrated platform—designed to enable better outcomes, efficiency, and actionable insights. The system, which was approved by the FDA in March 2024, can be used for minimally invasive surgical procedures for urology, gynecology, thoracic, and general surgeries. The da Vinci 5 will is ready for use at JCH&L for a number of general and gynecological surgeries.

JCH&L is the first Critical Access Hospital in southeast Nebraska or northeast Kansas to implement the da Vinci 5.

“We are excited to be a leader in this field and look forward to continuing to bring new innovations and technologies to our area residents, right here in Fairbury, close to home,” said JCH&L CEO Holly Wolff.

Ask your doctor if robotic surgery by an experienced surgeon would be right for your general surgical needs. Referrals accepted from all providers.