Silver Cross Hospital Recognized as Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Silver Cross Hospital recently was designated as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) by the AAGL, the leading association of minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons worldwide, and Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). 

In addition, four physicians on the Silver Cross medical staff also received COEMIG designation. These doctors are Francisco Garcini, M.D., Ph.D.; Nahla Merhi, M.D; Thomas Kazmierzcak, M.D.; and Peter Vienne, D.O.  Drs. Garcini and Merhi are co-directors of the minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Silver Cross Hospital and led the team in the certification process.

A sponsored article by Silver Cross Hospital.

Achieving the COEMIG designation positions Silver Cross at the forefront of minimally invasive gynecologic surgical care. Services have grown more advanced and specialized, and the accreditation demonstrates the hospital and physicians’ commitment to excellence and patient-centered care. The hospital’s outstanding team of physicians and nurses specialize in minimally invasive approaches to gynecology and offer expert specialized care for women who face surgical treatment for benign or malignant conditions.

“Earning the center of excellence designation signifies our ability to consistently deliver the safest, most advanced and comprehensive gynecologic surgical care services to women across our region in a new, state-of-the art facility,” said Dr. Nahla Merhi, co-director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. “The COEMIG program fosters quality improvement in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and participation has focused our team on exceeding clinical benchmarks and guidelines. But most importantly, our commitment to excellence improves the health and well-being of our patients.”

Silver Cross Hospital’s COEMIG program provides women with innovative, minimally invasive surgical treatment options for hysterectomies, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, prolapse, and other gynecologic conditions. Patients are cared for in a new 304-bed hospital located at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox. 

The Silver Cross Procedural Care Unit is equipped with 11 state-of-the-art surgical suites specially designed for minimally invasive procedures, private pre and post procedure patient rooms, and a spacious lounge for family and friends.  Silver Cross also has a DaVinci robot, which is the most advanced robotic-assisted technology available today to perform gynecologic surgical procedures. In the past eight months, Silver Cross has performed more than 150 procedures using the DaVinci robot.

“Compared to traditional surgery, patients who undergo minimally invasive gynecologic surgery experience less pain, reduced blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery, so they can return to normal activities sooner,” says Dr. Francisco Garcini, co-director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Silver Cross Hospital. “This is why it’s quickly becoming the preferred – and often demanded – treatment approach for many women throughout the U.S.” 

COEMIG-accredited centers comply with requirements designated by the AAGL’s Standards Committee, and are subject to a comprehensive and thorough inspection by a review committee. Approved facilities must adhere to requirements including the following: an institutional commitment to excellence in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery; significant and ongoing surgical experience performing minimally invasive gynecologic procedures; an active Physician Program Director who is an obstetrician/gynecologist and; a full complement of consultative staff and services; a designated surgical team and support staff and continuous quality assessment. To verify compliance, an accredited facility is formally reevaluated every three years.

For a referral to a physician on the Silver Cross Medical Staff who performs minimally invasive gynecological surgery, call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325) or visit www.silvercross.org.