SRC is an independent, nonprofit patient safety organization that has accredited top healthcare providers worldwide including hospitals, freestanding outpatient facilities, surgeons and medical professionals since 2003. SRC accreditations are unique as they acknowledge both the facility and physicians who deliver exceptional patient care. This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to our patients.

Kenneth Cutshall, MD

John (Trey) Roebertson, III, MD

This accomplishment is a testament to Dr. Cutshall and Dr. Robertson’s steadfast commitment to not only ensuring optimal outcomes and safety, but also delivering an unrivaled patient experience.

What are the requirements of accreditation?

Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery is evaluated based on rigorous and proven standards set by SRC. Accreditation requirements encompass physicians’ surgical expertise and experience, the standardization of clinical pathways, consultative services, equipment and instruments, and patient education.

What should patients know about this accreditation?

Patients can take comfort in knowing that Dr. Cutshall and Dr. Robertson have has received third-party verification for their patient care efforts. SRC’s strict evaluation guidelines prioritize patient safety and continuous quality improvement.

Why would patients prefer an accredited provider over one without accreditation?

SRC accreditation is a clear indicator to patients that Dr. Cutshall and Dr. Robertson are is committed to a higher standard of care. Studies have shown that SRC-accredited providers achieve reduced risk of complications, faster recovery times and better outcomes.

Dr. Kenneth Cutshall and Dr. John (Trey) Robertson, III, are with Premier Surgical Lawson Group in Johnson City, TN. They perform procedures at Franklin Woods Hospital, a SRC-accredited Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. They also do surgeries at East Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center and Johnson City Medical Center.  

The post Drs. Cutshall and Robertson Earn SRC’s Master Surgeons in Robotic Surgery Accreditation first appeared on Premier Surgical.

For Caitlin Peterson of Knoxville, 32, eating had become nearly impossible last year. She suffered from severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and threw up every day.

Caitlin can now eat normally after Dr. Michael Antiporda treated her with robotic-assisted GERD surgery.

“I lost almost 90 pounds,” she said. “I was vomiting multiple times a day and my body was rejecting meat. I was pretty much eating pizza and ice cream and that was it,” said Peterson. “It was not an eating disorder. People could see I was physically trying to eat, and it would come back up.”

Peterson’s GERD was caused by a severe hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the opening (called the hiatus) in the diaphragm, a large muscle that separates the abdomen and chest cavities.

A small hiatal hernia isn’t usually a problem, but a large one can let food flow back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn, reflux, vomiting and chest pain.

“I had the hernia and a lot of reflux for over 10 years, but it had always been smaller,” said Peterson. With time and the usual strains of life from coughing, having a bowel movement or vomiting, it had enlarged. “Also, I have always thrown up a lot. I learned at a young age how to deal with it. I always know where the bathrooms are,” she said.

Anxious for relief, in March 2023 Peterson went to see Premier Surgical general surgeon Michael Antiporda,  MD, who is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive esophageal and stomach surgery. He conducted several tests to confirm her diagnosis of hiatal hernia and GERD, and evaluate the overall function of her esophagus and stomach. The tests also helped him determine the best anti-reflux operation for her particular case.

Dr. Michael Antiporda, Foregut Surgeon

“I’m glad I went through the testing because it led to a different type of surgery,” Peterson said. “I had the TIF procedure. I’m an IT manager, so I love the idea of having a type of surgery that’s the latest and greatest in technology.”

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is a reconstruction of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus using an endoscope and without extra incisions. The procedure is done through the mouth and esophagus. The top tissues of the stomach (the fundus) are used to re-create a valve by folding the tissue over and essentially wrapping it around the esophagus in a uniform and ideal fashion.

At Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Dr. Antiporda used a state-of the-art robotic surgical suite to perform Peterson’s surgery.

While viewing 3D, high-resolution images on a computer screen, Dr. Antiporda used micro-surgical instruments powered by robotic arm technology. “For Caitlin, we took advantage of the most technologically advanced procedures available,” he said. “We were able to conduct a minimally invasive procedure to construct an anti-reflux valve for her that is more uniform and better able to consistently stop her reflux.”

Peterson spent one night at the hospital and went back to her work-from home job as an IT project manager after just one day off work.

“My experience at Fort Sanders Regional was great,” she said. “Everyone was very nice. They want you to feel comfortable. My dad took me to the hospital, and he couldn’t believe how fast it all was.”

Recovery involved a month of liquid foods before Peterson could swallow well again. She also had a follow-up noninvasive procedure in July to adjust the tightness of her new valve, a step that is occasionally performed after definitive anti-reflux surgery.

“Ever since then everything’s been perfect,” she said. “I’ve gained 15 pounds back. I feel like I have more energy, and I’ve got a good sleep schedule now. It definitely has affected my life! I’m not afraid to go out to eat because I might get sick. I’m not afraid to do a long road trip.”

Dr. Antiporda stressed that persistent GERD should always be evaluated thoroughly. “The most important thing is to meet with a specialist with extensive experience treating conditions of the esophagus or stomach, either a gastroenterologist or a foregut surgeon, because treatment can be complex,” he said. (A foregut surgeon specializes in the anterior part of the digestive tract.)

“There are options besides pills that are extremely effective for treating GERD. If we don’t treat it, reflux can increase the chances of esophageal cancer. There are many options for such treatments at Fort Sanders Regional.”

Peterson said she would recommend Fort Sanders Regional and Dr. Antiporda to anyone who needs a similar surgery. “He spends time with you. He truly cares for his patients.

“I’m very “I’m very happy with everything Dr. Antiporda did for me, and everyone at Fort Sanders Regional was super nice. It was great care. Now I’m able to eat anything I want, as often as I want!”

For more information about surgical options for treating GERD, visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/specialties/acid-reflux-relief/ Dr. Michael Antiporda specializes in GERD and fore-gut surgery. He is located at the Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional office in Knoxville.To request an appointment with Dr. Antiporda call (865) 524-3695 or visit: https://www.premiersurgical.com/fort-sanders-appointment-request/

The post No More Reflux: Knox Woman’s GERD Relieved by Robotic-assisted Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Judy’s diverticulitis pain is gone since she underwent a robot colon resection with Dr. Sung Lee at Fort Sanders Regional.

Judy Caldwell moved to East Tennessee after becoming enchanted with the Smoky Mountains. She enjoys tending the flowers on the property she recently purchased, playing music and buying and selling antiques. Most of all, she enjoys being surrounded by her friends and family in the place she now calls home.

Caldwell maintains a balanced, healthy lifestyle and has not had any major health crises in her life. But
two years ago, she began experiencing discomfort in her colon which worsened over time.

Eventually, she was diagnosed with diverticulitis. Diverticulitis, or inflammation of the lower colon, occurs when weakened intestinal tissue becomes inflamed or perforates, which can lead to an abscess or blockage in the colon.

At Fort Sanders Regional

After several hospital visits from issues stemming from diverticulitis, Caldwell was introduced to Colon and Rectal surgeon Sung Lee, MD, a Premier Surgical surgeon at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Dr. Lee specializes in colon and rectal surgery with interest in minimally invasive surgeries such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

“Mrs. Caldwell had been in and out of the hospital with pain and bleeding from complications of diverticulitis,” Dr. Lee reports. “We had scheduled her surgery for a later date, but after she presented at emergency department with GI pain and complications, we moved up the surgery date.”

Last December, Dr. Lee performed a robotic colon resection where he removed a portion of her lower colon called the sigmoid colon. Dr. Lee says, “Because she only had a portion resected, I reconnected the descending colon to the rectum, so she did not did not require an ostomy bag. She did very well and went home after staying a few nights in the hospital.”

Caldwell says, “Dr. Lee and his nurse, Leisa, were just wonderful. He explained what would happen in surgery and he put my mind at ease. I’ve never had major surgery before, so it was nerve wracking. I was scared about being under anesthesia and worried about healing, but everything went great.”

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Dr. Sung Lee, Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Dr. Lee explains that any minimally invasive procedure, whether robotic-assisted or laparoscopic, allows the patient to have a faster recovery. Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedures are recommended over open surgeries when possible because patients can return to normal functions faster. Typically with robotic-assisted technology, patients have better outcomes, shorter hospital stays and less pain.

“For this procedure, we make a few little cuts and use a robot to access the inside of the abdomen,” Dr.Lee explains. “The longest cut we make is about four centimeters. With the magnified 3D vision, we can see five to ten times more than the naked eye can, so we can spare nerves and make careful dissections.”

“Fort Sanders Regional was phenomenal,” Caldwell says. “I have such a heart for the nurses now, seeing everything they do. They were all wonderful, as was Dr. Lee when he checked on me after surgery.”

Despite the high recurrence rates of diverticulitis, the procedure was curative and Caldwell has had no discomfort since the procedure.

Faith, Friends and Family

Dr. Lee explains that patients experiencing GI distress from diverticulitis may have fever or chills, and may notice a change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea, GI bleed, or pain in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen. If these symptoms persist, he says a medical provider should be contacted. “Once the colon becomes inflamed,it may not go back to normal without medical intervention,”

Dr. Lee says. As spring approaches, Caldwell is looking forward to resuming her active lifestyle of walking on trails and antiquing. The retiree says her faith in God has been an important part of her recovery, and she would recommend Dr. Lee and Fort Sanders Regional to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. “I am so thankful!” she says.

Dr. Sung Lee is a Colon and Rectal Surgeon with Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville. To request a consultation with Dr. Lee or Premier Surgical surgeon, visit:  https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-an-appointment/

The post Diverting from Diverticulitis: Robotic-Assisted Surgery Gives Local Woman Reprieve from Abdominal Pain first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Millions of Americans experience acid reflux every day. Most don’t know if it’s severe enough and lasts long enough, in the worst cases acid reflux can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

When that happens, the symptoms usually become apparent as a slow but distinctive change in one’s usual reflux symptoms, or new difficulties with eating or swallowing.

William enjoys hiking again after esophageal cancer surgery with Dr. Michael Antiporda.

William Emert is one such patient who had years of reflux and found out the hard way. “I thought I was healthy,” Emert says. “I didn’t listen to my body.”

Since his cancer diagnosis in May 2021, cutting-edge treatment including robot-assisted surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center took Emert from a life-threatening illness to the restored quality of life he enjoys today.

Prolonged gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can damage the lining of the esophagus, making it easier for abnormal cells to take over and possibly transform into a type of tissue called Barrett’s esophagus, a condition which raises the risk of esophageal cancer

“I was feeling run-down at work, just feeling bad, weak and tired all the time. I kept ignoring it and ignoring it,” Emert says.

Emert’s wife encouraged him to see a doctor, and when he finally did, he was shocked by the news that came from his blood work.

“The doctor said ‘We’ve got to send you to the emergency room immediately. You’ve got internal bleeding, and I think you might have cancer,’” Emert recalls. “It blows you away.”

A very large tumor had engulfed the lower third of Emert’s esophagus, draping down onto his  stomach. After the diagnosis of cancer was confirmed, he underwent preoperative chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumor. Surgery was planned to complete the treatment.

William’s tumor was about 12 cm long, involving 1/3 of his esophagus.

Michael A. Antiporda, MD, is a fellowship-trained foregut surgeon (specializing in procedures for the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine) with Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He recommended robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct Emert’s GI tract in the most minimally invasive way possible.

“This is major surgery in potentially treacherous territory involving the chest, abdomen and neck,” Dr. Antiporda says. “It’s a highly complex operation that’s not done in high volume in many places, but at Fort Sanders Regional we’re able to do many complicated cancer surgeries like these with good outcomes.”

The Right Hospital

Fort Sanders Regional was the first hospital in East Tennessee with robotic-assisted surgery. The medical center has continually updated and added to its robotic program since then. This technology allows surgeons to offer the most advanced and minimally invasive procedures for a wide array of
indications.

“Mr. Emert underwent robotic transhiatal esophagectomy, which I performed using multiple very small abdominal incisions and one small left-neck incision. The robot is clutch for doing an operation like this because it permits a surgeon to use tiny incisions to operate comfortably and safely in what would otherwise be a very tight and limited space,” Dr. Antiporda says.

Dr. Michael Antiporda, Foregut Surgeon

“The alternative to this type of surgery would have been to make large painful incisions in the upper abdomen or between the ribs, which take significantly longer to recover from.”

The tumor was removed in August 2021. Although it was major surgery, Emert was able to go home in less than a week, fully realizing the advantage of faster recovery that is often seen with robotic surgery. He was pronounced “cancer-free” on August 14.

Lessons to Learn

Today Emert has a smaller stomach space that limits the amount of food he can eat in one sitting, but there are no restrictions on his diet. His quality of life has returned and he and his wife go on adventures from fishing to foraging mushrooms.

“I feel great. I had forgotten what it was to be healthy because I just got so used to feeling bad,” he says.

Through it all, Emert has learned some important life lessons. Among them are the importance of taking time to enjoy and appreciate life, along with the importance of self-awareness when it comes to good health.

“Listen to your body, because your body knows when something’s wrong. I learned the hard way,” Emert says. “I’m just glad to be here, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the doctors that I had. I don’t think I’ve met a better doctor – or person – in my whole life than Dr. Antiporda.”

Dr. Antiporda says uncontrolled GERD is the most common underlying cause of esophageal type of cancer and it’s important to see a doctor for ongoing reflux that causes pain or trouble swallowing. In the event that a cancer diagnosis does come as a result of GERD,

Dr. Michael Antiporda is a General Surgeon with Premier Surgical Associates at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Antiporda, call (865) 524-3695.

The post Robot-assisted Esophageal Surgery Helps Doctors Restore Lives first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Hamner has undergone three different hernia repairs over the years as a result of an inguinal (groin) hernia. This type of hernia occurs when the abdominal wall is weak and begins to separate and develop a defect. Sometimes the intestines or other organs may begin to protrude as well.

Frank says he had a faster recovery and less pain with robotic-assisted surgery performed by Dr. Antiporda at Fort Sanders Regional.

Hamner’s first hernia was as a teenager, and he had open surgery to repair it. Six years ago, he underwent laparoscopic surgery for another hernia. And then in June 2020, he had robotic-assisted surgery performed by Michael Antiporda, MD, of Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville.

“I’m just amazed by the advances that have been made since my first hernia surgery,” Hamner says. “With the first one, it was an open surgery. The recovery time was much longer, and I had a great deal more pain. The second one, not so much pain. And this third time? I expected it to be a little better, but I was shocked at how easy the recovery was.”

For Hamner’s recent surgery, Dr. Antiporda used a robotic platform that combines a surgeon’s skill with computer-enhanced laparoscopic technology. Dr. Antiporda sat poised at a computer console next to Hamner and operated using only three tiny incisions.

The surgical robotic system provides high-resolution 3D imaging inside the body. It also facilitates precise and smooth movements of the laparoscopic surgical instruments,
controlled at all times by the surgeon’s hands.

“When I met Dr. Antiporda, he impressed me with how patient, transparent, and informative he was,” Hamner says. “He mentioned to me he would like to use the robotic procedure, which I had not heard about. He answered all my questions and even sent me some articles via email. I became very comfortable with the idea from there.”

“A hernia later in life is fairly common in men, and 20 to 30 percent of all men will develop a hernia in their lifetime,” Dr. Antiporda says. “For Mr. Hamner, I chose the robot-assisted surgery over pure laparoscopy in part because he had a prior surgery, which caused scar tissue in the same area as inguinal hernia surgery. For some surgeons this makes minimally invasive repair not an option. Fortunately, I have had great outcomes in this situation, and I knew that using the robot would offer many advantages for visualization and precise movements during surgery. It allows me to perform the
procedure more safely and effectively.”

Dr. Antiporda continues, “Robotics have applications throughout general surgery. I use it for abdominal wall reconstruction, some esophageal and stomach surgery, and other intra-abdominal surgery. When its use is indicated, it can be a great advantage to surgeon and patient.”

Fort Sanders Regional has two robotic surgery suites, with a number of specialty surgical robots available. “That means when I have a patient who’s a good candidate for the robotic-assisted surgery, I can schedule them very quickly,” says Dr. Antiporda.

Hamner was able to go home just a few hours after surgery and said he had very little pain following his procedure.

“Dr. Antiporda prescribed pain medicine for me, but I never needed it,” Hamner recalls. “I used an overthe-counter pain reliever to make sure I got a good night’s sleep. But the pain after surgery was practically non-existent. I thought that was phenomenal.”

Hamner said he would recommend Fort Sanders Regional and Dr. Antiporda to anyone facing hernia surgery. “The care at Fort Sanders was phenomenal, “Even though I was there just a short time, I couldn’t have asked for more professional care.”

Talk to your surgeon about whether robotic-assisted surgery is right for you.

For more information about Dr. Michael Antiporda, CLICK HERE.

The post Man’s 3rd Hernia Repair is Easiest, Thanks to Robotic Assistance first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Unlike traditional open thyroid surgery that involves a long neck incision and a visible scar, the patient’s thyroid and a large nodule were removed through her armpit and chest via a few tiny cuts.

Dr. David Harrell, General Surgeon

The procedure was performed using the da Vinci Surgical System. It features a 3-D camera and robotic instruments that the surgeon controls from a computer console. The system gives the surgeon a detailed inside view of the surgery site and excellent precision. Patients generally have less scaring, pain and a quicker recovery versus traditional surgery.

Robotically-assisted surgery has been used for years in the United States for prostate, heart and gynecological procedures, but robotic thyroidectomy has only been performed at a small number of medical centers in the U.S.

Dr. Harrell, who has performed more than 700 general surgeries using the da Vinci system, also specializes in endocrine disease. He felt his experience with thyroid procedures and frequent use of robotic surgery techniques were a natural combination for performing a robotic thyroidectomy.  “It involves the same robotic instruments we already use every day and offers people a way to have a thyroid safely removed without a visible neck scar.”

Da Vinci Surgical System, courtesy of Intuitive

The thyroid is a gland in the neck that helps control the body’s metabolism. Thyroid nodules are common and occur in some 30 percent of Americans. Dr. Harrell is pleased to have performed the first robotic thyroidectomy in Tennessee state and expects the use of this innovative technique to increase.

“Thyroid disease is becoming more common. We’re doing more screenings now and finding thyroid nodules more frequently,” explains Dr. Harrell. “I’m excited to offer this new surgical option to patients.”

About Premier Surgical

Premier Surgical Associates is the largest vascular surgery and general surgery practice in the East Tennessee region. Premier’s 30 board-certified surgeons perform general, vascular, endovascular, vein, bariatric, breast, laparoscopic and oncologic procedures. Premier has offices in Knoxville, Cleveland, Harriman, Dandridge, Lenoir City, Maryville, Morristown, Newport and Sevierville. For more information about Premier Surgical, please visit www.premiersurgical.com. 

The post Harrell Performs First Robotic Thyroid Surgery in Tennessee first appeared on Premier Surgical.