Our Lady of Lourdes Becomes First in the Region to Utilize Most Advanced Robotic Surgery Platform
July 22, 2025
Lafayette, LA – On Thursday, July 3, Aimee Hymel, MD, ushered in a new era of robot-assisted surgery in Acadiana by performing the first procedure using the Intuitive da Vinci 5®, the most advanced robot-assisted surgery platform available.
Utilizing the latest in the da Vinci series of surgical robots since 2011, Our Lady of Lourdes Health is home to over 30 surgeons who are specially trained to use the robotic surgery platform. They completed thousands of robot-assisted procedures in recent years in various fields like cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, bariatrics, gynecology, urology and general surgery.
The Intuitive da Vinci 5® transforms surgery, enabling better patient outcomes and efficiency. With more than 150 new innovations, the system expands upon core da Vinci system features, including 3DHD visualization, wristed instruments, intuitive motion, force feedback technology and an ergonomic design. Designed to blend seamlessly into program workflows, the robotic-assisted system mimics the movements of the surgeon, translating their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements during a surgical procedure.
“A key benefit of the new robot is its virtual consult feature, which allows us to collaborate across the health system like never before,” said Dr. Safi Haq, cardiothoracic surgeon with Our Lady of Lourdes Health. “A robotic surgeon performing a procedure in an Our Lady of Lourdes operating room will be able to consult with a surgeon in another location in real time. We are thrilled to be a leader in this field and look forward to continually bringing advanced minimally invasive surgical options to Acadiana.”
Minimally invasive surgery means reduced time in surgery and post-operative recovery, getting patients back to what they love sooner.
“The addition of the Intuitive da Vinci 5® reinforces Our Lady of Lourdes Health’s longstanding commitment to providing innovative, high-quality care. This advanced system empowers our skilled team to perform even the most complex procedures with unmatched precision,” noted Gil Humbert, Our Lady of Lourdes Health Chief Nursing Officer. “We welcome the Intuitive da Vinci 5® to our robotic surgical program. This addition will enhance everyday excellence in our clinical platform and improve patient care.
Benefits include shorter hospital stays, smaller incisions, reduced pain and discomfort, less need for pain medications, less scarring and faster recovery times, Humbert added, ensuring an improved overall patient experience.
“We believe patients should receive care locally without needing to travel,” he said. “There is no better support structure than having your family and friends by your side. The new surgical platform helps us keep that promise close to area patients.”
Learn more about the robotic and other surgical options available at Our Lady of Lourdes Health by visiting https://www.fmolhs.org/services/surgery.
About Our Lady of Lourdes Health
Founded by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady in 1949, Our Lady of Lourdes Health is a not–for–profit Catholic healthcare ministry based in Lafayette, Louisiana. With a regional acute care medical center that employs more than 2,800 people, Our Lady of Lourdes Health offers a physician staff of over 850 doctors in a variety of medical and surgical specialties. Lourdes’ services include Centers of Excellence in the areas of Orthopedics, Stroke and a Robotic Surgery Program. Lourdes is home to the only burn unit in Southwest Louisiana and a Commission on Cancer-accredited oncology program. Our Lady of Lourdes operates Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital, a premier 32-bed cardiac facility, and Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, offering the area’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Level III Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. With additional services including multiple clinics, four imaging locations and a primary care physician network, Lourdes provides easy access to comprehensive care throughout the community. Our Lady of Lourdes is part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and is driven by its mission to serve all God’s people, especially those most in need. Discover more at LourdesRMC.com.