First Robotic Esophagectomy Completed at FMOL Health | St. Francis
February 11, 2026
Monroe, LA – FMOL Health | St. Francis has achieved a major milestone in surgical care, as cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Sarah Ahmad successfully completed the first robotic-assisted esophagectomy in northeast Louisiana. Dr. Ahmad performed the procedure on January 19, marking a significant advancement in how complex thoracic surgeries are delivered in the region.
An esophagectomy, the surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus, has traditionally required large incisions and lengthy recovery times. Using the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system, Dr. Ahmad was able to perform the operation through small, precise incisions, offering patients benefits such as reduced postoperative pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery.
This first-of-its-kind procedure for the region underscores St. Francis Medical Center’s commitment to expanding access to advanced surgical options close to home. The hospital continues to invest in robotic-assisted technologies and specialized surgical teams to bring leading-edge care to northeast Louisiana.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Ahmad and our surgical team for bringing this level of innovation to St. Francis,” said Dr. Thomas Gullatt, northeast Louisiana market president, “This milestone further strengthens our mission to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care using the most advanced tools available.”
The da Vinci 5 robotic system enhances a surgeon’s ability to perform delicate and complex procedures with greater control and accuracy. “We’ve been able to become exclusively robotic for our lung cancers, and now we’re advancing into esophageal cancer and mediastinal tumors,” said Dr. Ahmad. “We’re bringing in all the state-of-the-art technology here.” St. Francis Medical Center now offers a growing list of robotic-assisted surgeries across multiple specialties, giving patients more options for minimally invasive treatment.
For more information about robotic surgery at FMOL Health | St. Francis, visit stfran.com.
About FMOL Health | St. Francis
FMOL Health | St. Francis is a not-for-profit Catholic healthcare ministry based in Monroe, Louisiana, with more than 1,800 team members committed to caring for those we serve. With a 328-bed medical center, acute-care hospital, freestanding outpatient center, over 25 outpatient clinics, and nearly 350 physician partners, for more than 110 years, St. Francis has provided comprehensive healthcare services for a variety of medical and surgical specialties. St. Francis offers Northeast Louisiana’s only Level III NICU, Level III OB, OB-ED, and Level II PICU services. St. Francis Medical Center leads the region in heart and vascular services, critical care, and complex and minimally invasive surgical procedures. The hospital offers a designated Level III Trauma Center, a Graduate Medical Education Program, Accredited Chest Pain Center, Accredited Primary Stroke Center and Centers of Excellence in the areas of bariatric surgery, minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, minimally invasive gynecology, breast health and specialized anesthesia. St. Francis 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. For more information, visit stfran.com.