Rutherford Regional reaches 100 robotic-assisted surgeries after $2.2M investment

Rutherford Regional Health System has completed its 100th robotic-assisted surgery, reaching the milestone roughly four months after introducing technology designed to help surgeons perform operations through small incisions.

The hospital announced the milestone on Sept. 29 and said Dr. Andrew Demeusy performed the 100th procedure. Its general surgery program uses the da Vinci surgical system for hernia repair, gallbladder removal, colorectal surgery, and other operations.

Rutherford Regional said the program gives patients in Rutherford County and surrounding communities more opportunities to receive surgical care locally.

The hospital previously announced a $2.2 million investment from Lifepoint Health, its parent company, to bring the technology to Rutherford Regional. In its June 16 announcement, the hospital said Demeusy and Dr. Thomas Eisenhauer had completed the first robotic-assisted procedures during the preceding two weeks.

That investment figure describes the hospital’s investment in the technology. It does not establish the price of an individual operation or what a patient would owe.

Robotic-assisted surgery is a method used to perform different operations. A patient might undergo a hernia repair or gallbladder removal using the system; the term “robotic-assisted” describes the tools and surgical approach.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, these systems allow a surgeon to control instruments through small incisions using computer-assisted technology. The surgeon works at a console, views the surgical area in three dimensions, and directs instruments attached to mechanical arms beside the patient. The system cannot perform surgery without direct human control.

Rutherford Regional says the approach may offer less postoperative discomfort, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery.

The hospital’s Sept. 29 announcement did not provide a comparison with conventional laparoscopic surgery, another minimally invasive approach, or local data on complication rates, recovery times and patient costs.

The FDA describes robotic-assisted surgery as an important treatment option that may help surgeons perform complex tasks in confined areas. It also says the approach may not be appropriate in every situation. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits, other treatment options, and their surgeon’s training and experience.

The 100-procedure milestone documents the program’s activity since its introduction. The release did not identify the operation performed as the 100th procedure or report outcomes for the first 100 surgeries.

For patients considering surgery, the cost depends on the specific operation and their individual circumstances. Rutherford Regional’s online cost estimator uses information about the service and insurance coverage to estimate out-of-pocket expenses. The hospital says final expenses can change based on supplies, additional testing, length of stay, and unexpected complications.

The hospital also cautions that estimates may exclude separately billed physician or pathology services. Patients can contact their insurer or Rutherford Regional’s patient services staff with cost questions. The Sept. 29 release did not provide procedure prices, average patient expenses or a comparison of costs among surgical approaches.

Rutherford Regional credited its surgeons, operating room staff, anesthesia providers and surgical services teams with reaching the milestone. The hospital said it intends to continue expanding the program.

The hospital’s full Sept. 29 statement follows:

Rutherford Regional Celebrates 100th Robotic-Assisted Procedure Rutherfordton, NC (Sept. 29, 2026) — Rutherford Regional Health System has completed its 100th robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci surgical system, marking a significant milestone for the hospital’s growing surgical services program. Since introducing the da Vinci surgical system in June, Rutherford Regional has expanded local access to advanced, minimally invasive procedures, allowing more patients in Rutherford County and the surrounding region to receive surgical care close to home. The milestone is a shared achievement for Rutherford Regional’s general surgery program, including general surgeons Andrew Demeusy, MD; Thomas L. Eisenhauer, MD; Jacqueline Solt, MD; and Amanda Karatchoun, MD, as well as the hospital’s operating room, anesthesia and surgical services teams. Dr. Demeusy performed the 100th robotic-assisted procedure. “Robotic-assisted surgery is one of the most significant advancements in surgery over the past 20 years,” said Andrew Demeusy, MD. “We are excited to provide patients in our community with access to advanced, minimally invasive surgical technology.” “In addition to offering a more ergonomic approach for surgeons and surgical assistants, the technology provides enhanced visualization and supports precise movements and suture placement. These capabilities contribute to less postoperative pain and fewer complications for patients. Reaching 100 procedures is an outstanding milestone for our team and our community.” Robotic-assisted surgery enables surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions with enhanced visualization, precision and control. Compared with traditional open surgery, this approach may offer patients less postoperative discomfort, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times. Rutherford Regional uses robotic-assisted technology for a variety of procedures, including hernia repair, gallbladder removal, colorectal surgery and other general surgery procedures. The hospital remains focused on expanding the program and bringing innovative treatment options to the region. “This milestone reflects our commitment to bringing advanced surgical care to the communities we serve,” said Sudandra Ratnasamy, Chief Executive Officer of Rutherford Regional Health System. “Reaching 100 robotic-assisted procedures is a testament to the skill and dedication of our surgeons, nurses, anesthesia providers and surgical services team, who work together to deliver exceptional patient care and experiences.” For more information about surgical services at Rutherford Regional Health System, visit MyRutherfordRegional.com or call 800-424-DOCS to schedule an appointment.