Baptist North Physician Performs Less Invasive Colorectal Surgery

Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi general surgeon Dr. Walker Byars recently performed surgery utilizing the EndoWrist Stapler on the da Vinci robotic surgery system, according to a press release from the hospital.
That makes the hospital the first in North Mississippi and the Memphis metropolitan area to offer treatment with the advanced technology, the hospital said.
Colorectal surgeries are commonly performed to treat colon cancer and rectal cancer, as well as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease and rectal prolapse.
By using the EndoWrist Stapler technology, according to the hospital, colon and rectal surgery can be less invasive, more precise and more clinically efficient.
The new process uses 3-D visualization, which enables Byars to observe tissue more clearly, allowing him to identify healthy, viable tissue.
“With this new da Vinci use, patients are able to return to normal activities faster than before with a shorter hospital stay,” Byars said. “We are proud to offer the new technology to our patients at Baptist North Mississippi.”
Byars also uses the da Vinci surgery system for gall bladder removal, Nissen Fundoplication, hernia repair and sleeve gastrectomy.

The da Vinci uses robotic technology to enhance surgical capabilities and serves as an alternative to many traditional, open surgeries and conventional laparoscopic procedures.
Surgeons are able to perform delicate and complex operations through tiny incisions with breakthrough vision and precision. This type of minimally invasive surgery commonly reduces a patient’s blood loss, pain and recovery time. The da Vinci has been used in other surgeries at Baptist North Mississippi since 2011.
Baptist North Mississippi is a 217-bed hospital that offers a variety of services, including cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, the Baptist Cancer Center and a 24-hour emergency room. Since the hospital became affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care in 1989, Baptist has invested more than $140 million into the facility. In 2012, Baptist announced plans for building a new hospital for Baptist North Mississippi. The new hospital is currently under construction.
For more information, please call 662-232-8100 or visit northmiss.baptistonline.org.