A new piece of medical equipment has been brought to Big Rapids to benefit residents and those in the surrounding area who need hernia or gall bladder surgery.

The da Vinci System allows the surgeon to operate through a few small incisions and perform operations, though their hands are never inside a patient’s body.

Dr. Mark Haan, a general surgeon with Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals is excited to be able to use the da Vinci system and says there are many great benefits to patients.

"I've seen a huge difference in patient recovery with this peice of equipment," Haan Said.  "There is less pain following surgery and thus are not requiring narcotic pain medications, it's also a win for employers because normally a patient is out 4-6 weeks, now they are out only two weeks."  

Haan is scheduled to begin using the da Vinci system this week, initially performing hernia and gall bladder operations.