Jeff Lorberbaum knows a thing or two about managing risk in the pursuit of positive outcomes . As CEO of Mohawk Industries , Inc . for the past 20 years , he has helped that business grow into the world ’ s largest flooring company , employing more than 43,000 team members worldwide and generating more than $ 11 billion in sales in 2021 .
So , when the Northwest Georgia native opted to undergo surgery to repair an internal tear earlier this year , he put his trust in Hak Lee , MD , the region ’ s only urological oncologist specializing in robotic surgery , and the da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted surgery system at AdventHealth Gordon .
“ Dr . Lee is a leading expert in the field of robotic surgery , which gave me confidence in his ability to perform the procedure safely ,” Lorberbaum said . “ With three small holes , well-trained surgeons like Dr . Lee can complete elaborate procedures with minimal trauma and faster recovery time . I ’ m a firm believer in reducing risk , so I really appreciated that .”
Indeed , compared to more traditional , invasive approaches , robotic-assisted surgeries offer numerous risk-reducing advantages to patients , including shorter hospitalization times , reduced pain and discomfort during recovery , reduced blood loss and minimal scarring .
According to Dr . Lee , who has performed more than 200 robotic procedures during his tenure at AdventHealth Gordon , robotics in general — and the da Vinci Xi specifically — are beneficial for surgeons , as well .
“ Advantages include an enhanced and magnified view inside the patient ’ s body , instruments that bend and rotate farther than human hands can and overall enhanced precision and control ,” Dr . Lee said . “ The da Vinci Xi is the most capable system on the market and continues to advance minimally invasive surgery .”
The da Vinci Xi consists of three components — a surgeon ’ s console , a patient-side cart and a vision cart . The patient-side cart is positioned near the operating table and is where the instruments used during the operation move in response to the surgeon ’ s hand movements at the surgeon ’ s console . The vision cart makes communication between those two components possible and provides a screen for the care team to view the operation .
For patients like Lorberbaum , whose health care journey began with internal bleeding and a visit to the emergency room at AdventHealth Gordon , potentially serious conditions can be managed with a reasonable expectation of full recovery .
“ I ’ ve seen Dr . Lee twice for follow-up visits . He ’ s confirmed that I ’ ve healed and am better than ever ,” said Lorberbaum , a father of two and grandfather of three . “ I ’ m experiencing no discomfort , and I go about my daily routine just like I always did . At home and at work , I feel like I ’ m back to normal .”
In addition to the performance of the da Vinci Xi , Lorberbaum praised the contributions of Dr . Lee and his team , which included Hannah Holland , RN , his nurse navigator . Dr . Lee saw him in his room multiple times each day , and in-between visits , Holland followed up to ensure that things were going as planned .
“ During his daily visits , he took time to educate me while also providing reassurance in a compassionate way ,” Lorberbaum said . “ That blend of knowledge and empathy is ideal in a physician , and it ’ s rare .”
The care team ’ s presence was never more important than when Lorberbaum developed complications unrelated to the initial procedure . He said Dr . Lee and the AdventHealth Gordon team were diligent in updating his treatments to deal with the new challenges that arose . They adjusted his care as the situation evolved and explained why the team was taking different steps to support his recovery .
“ My wife and son were with me every day , and the staff made them feel welcome , including them in discussions of my care and helping them understand my condition and my progress ,” Lorberbaum said . “ Everyone on the medical team at AdventHealth Gordon made me feel that my comfort
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