b'Results from a routine annual exam in the fall of 2024 showed that a 70-year-old patient had an elevated Prostate Specific Our Impact Antigen (PSA). Follow-up tests, including an MRI and biopsy, determined the presence of prostate cancer. Faced with a ROBOTIC- decision of what treatment would be best, the patient turned to urologist and Associate Chief Clinical Officer of Surgical Services William Santis, MD.ASSISTED Fortunately, Dr. Santis explains, CHHS had recently expanded its urologic services in the Lakes Region by moving an existing modern surgical robot to the Laconia campus while adding a newer model in Concord. The Laconia-based robot enables procedures such as kidney, bladder, and adrenal surgeries, and in May, that patient became the first patient inSURGERY,the Lakes Region to undergo a robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection."We wanted to utilize this technology within our system as well as allow those in this community, which represent about CLOSE 25 % of our patients, to have their procedures locally.TO HOME Dr. Santis, who joined CHs medical staff in 2000 continues, Many patients would prefer to not have to travel a distance for care. Were trying to allow people to have both their outpatient and inpatient care closer to home.In addition to offering local care, Santis explains the decision to move the robot to Laconia, rather than opt for two on the Concord campus, was also a response to an increasing volume of robotic cases at CH creating longer wait times, which caused some patients to choose more invasive, non-robotic options just to get surgery sooner.The 70-year-old patient\'s surgery represents the ongoing restoration and expansion of services in the Lakes Region.Other notable advanced medical procedures now being offered in Laconia as a result of intentional growth include additional robotic procedures for gynecology (Dr. Heidi Hallonquist already has performed a robotic-assisted hysterectomy in Laconia), colorectal surgeries, cochlear implants, and HIFU, a focal therapy for prostate cancer thattreats small areas of disease using ultrasound energy.For Lakes Region residents, this expansion means advanced surgical options without the burden of travel, bringingworld-class care closer to home while maintaining the high standards CHHS is known for delivering. The convenienceof having this procedure much closer to home definitely impacted [my] decision.The approach also represents CHHSs One System philosophy.OBOT PRESENTATION We view the entire system as one unit, Santis notes. We try to be nimble in terms of getting the patient William Santis, MD| SURGICAL R cared for as rapidly as possible at any of the sites.32 CONCORD HOSPITAL HEALTH SYSTEM |Intentional Growth'