LACONIA — The most important fact general surgeon David Croasdale needs to explain to patients considering robotic surgery is it’s not actually performed by a robot, but a skilled physician.

It’s a clarification he needs to verbalize frequently.

“It’s not AI,” said Croasdale, one of seven surgeons now using the da Vinci XI surgical robot new to Concord Hospital-Laconia. “It’s a device connected to instruments, controlled entirely by a surgeon and his or her assistants. It’s becoming the standard of care.”

Meet the da Vinci

The addition of the surgical robot enables Lakes Region residents access to a variety of minimally invasive procedures in urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgery.

Benefits to patients with this type of surgical procedure include reduced pain and discomfort

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