Surgeon on Maury Regional medical staff hits 500 procedures with da Vinci system

Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) offers its patients the latest in surgical technology, and a surgeon on the medical staff has reached an impressive milestone with one of the hospital's robotic systems.

Mark S. Hinson, MD, FACS, a board-certified specialist in general, robotic and breast surgery, performed his 500th procedure at MRMC with the da Vinci Xi Surgical System.

"Performing my 500th surgery with the da Vinci robotic system is an incredible milestone, and it's been rewarding," said Dr. Hinson. "Every procedure feels like an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a patient's life, offering them a less invasive approach and a faster recovery. I'm grateful to have this technology at my fingertips."

Dr. Hinson joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Health in 1998. He is one of 12 surgeons who perform robotic-assisted procedures with the da Vinci Xi at MRMC.

The da Vinci Xi was first implemented at MRMC in 2018 followed by another in 2022. It utilizes advanced robotic, computer and optical technologies, including a high-definition and highly magnified 3D vision system and mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist. As more surgeons have joined the medical staff, the medical center added two more da Vinci systems in 2024, bringing the total to four.

The system allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures in the areas of urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgery. Benefits of the minimally invasive approach for patients typically include minimal blood loss, less pain and a faster recovery time.

"My hernia procedure was a breeze, and I have no complaints. I didn't even need to take pain medications after my surgery," said Eva James Crichton, resident of Maury County and Dr. Hinson's 500th robotic surgery patient with da Vinci. "The staff were kind and caring during my stay and Dr. Hinson made frequent visits to check in on me before and after surgery. I appreciate how present, attentive and informative he was."