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In a landmark moment for surgical innovation and Veteran-centered care, physicians at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System successfully performed the first-ever combined

robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy and bilateral inguinal hernia repair. This dual procedure was a first for the Department of Veterans Affairs and for any hospital in the Charleston

region. The procedure, completed March 24, was led by urologist Dr. Benjamin Stone and general surgeon Dr. Heather Evans, using advanced robotic technology that allowed both surgeries to be

completed in one session under a single anesthesia. “This is a significant milestone as it demonstrates again that the VA can offer the most advanced, most current care to Veterans,” said

Evans, Chief of Surgery at the Charleston VA. “Care that is not even being provided through community care in places like Charleston.” The Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS, recently named one of

Becker’s Hospital Review’s Top Innovative Health Programs in the Nation, holds a 5-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and ranks fifth among all VA

medical centers in robotic surgery volume. Its surgical team has grown rapidly over the past two years, with five general surgeons and two urologists performing a full spectrum of

robotic-assisted procedures. Dr. Evans said the idea for the dual procedure came from observing successful cases in civilian hospitals and recognizing that the Charleston VA had the right

team, experience and equipment to perform it safely and efficiently. “We have an outstanding multispecialty surgery group at RHJ,” Evans said. “That kind of collaboration, paired with

cutting-edge technology, makes this possible.” For Dr. Stone, the approach reflected not only the evolution of surgical practice but also the values that define VA care. “I was thrilled to

offer this combined procedure,” he said. “It’s an innovative way to maximize benefit for our patient without requiring a second operative intervention. Since we’re working in the same area,

recovery isn’t significantly impacted, and we reduce the overall burden on the patient.” The operation was a team effort from start to finish. Dr. Evans began by preparing the surgical field

for hernia repair, allowing Dr. Stone to proceed with the prostatectomy. Once that was completed, Evans resumed and finalized the hernia repair all using the same robotic setup. “This kind

of collaboration isn’t just about efficiency it’s about restoring Veterans to health faster, with fewer disruptions to their lives,” Evans said. “Compared to a two-staged procedure, Veterans

can go back to their usual activity much faster and with fewer complications.” George Ridlehoover, the Veteran who underwent the procedure, said he was amazed at how quickly he was able to

return home and resume his routine. Being able to get both surgeries done at once made a big difference,” he said. “The recovery was smooth, I was up and walking the same evening, and they

sent me home the next day. I never even needed pain medication. For me, it was the best way to do it.” Robotic surgery continues to redefine standards of care across specialties. Stone noted

that most radical prostatectomies are now performed robotically, with benefits including reduced blood loss, less pain, and shorter hospital stays. “This case is one example of the

innovative, multidisciplinary care we’re able to provide at Ralph H. Johnson VA,” Stone said. “It reflects the strong communication among our teams and a shared commitment to delivering the

best outcomes.” As demand for robotic procedures increases, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System is exploring the acquisition of another robotic system ensuring even more Veterans can

benefit from minimally invasive, high-precision care. “The whole team was outstanding,” Ridlehoover said. “From the surgeons to the people who brought my meals, everyone went out of their

way to make sure I was comfortable and that my wife and kids were, too. If any Veteran is nervous about robotic surgery, I’d tell them not to worry. I’d do it again tomorrow without

hesitation.” With one operation, two specialists, and the right technology, the Charleston VA has not only changed one Veteran’s life it’s helped redefine what’s possible in the future of VA

surgery.