Dignity Health Introduces New Robotic Abdominal Surgery

(Phoenix – October 6, 2026) – Researchers with the Dignity Health Hernia Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center have introduced a novel robotic surgical approach to help treat anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES), an often overlooked condition that causes debilitating abdominal pain.

 The robotic technique is one component of a new study, published in The American Journal of Surgery, that also introduces the first evidence-based roadmap to help physicians diagnose and treat ACNES.

“ACNES can be difficult to recognize, leaving many patients searching for answers while living with chronic pain,” said Thomas Gillespie, MD, Medical Director of the Dignity Health Hernia Institute. “The goal of our study was to bring together the available evidence from around the world and organize it in a way that helps more doctors identify the condition sooner and bring lasting relief to patients.”

Unlike pain caused by problems in the digestive tract, ACNES occurs when small nerves traveling through the abdominal wall become trapped or compressed. Because its symptoms often resemble other abdominal conditions, many patients go months or even years before receiving the correct diagnosis.

“ACNES can be difficult to recognize, leaving many patients searching for answers while living with chronic pain,” said Thomas Gillespie, MD, Medical Director of the Dignity Health Hernia Institute. “The goal of our study was to bring together the available evidence from around the world and organize it in a way that helps more doctors identify the condition sooner and bring lasting relief to patients.”

Unlike pain caused by problems in the digestive tract, ACNES occurs when small nerves traveling through the abdominal wall become trapped or compressed. Because its symptoms often resemble other abdominal conditions, many patients go months or even years before receiving the correct diagnosis.

The study also introduced a new robotic procedure called Totally Extraperitoneal Robotic Deep Neurectomy. The minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to access the affected nerves through the abdominal wall rather than entering the abdominal cavity. By avoiding open surgery, the approach may reduce unnecessary tissue disruption while giving surgeons a clearer view of the affected nerves. Researchers say the new robotic technique is an important next step, but more research is needed to understand how it compares to existing surgical approaches over time.

“Far too many people live with chronic abdominal pain without knowing the cause,” said Dr. Gillespie. “In recognition of Pain Awareness Month, we hope this research helps more physicians recognize ACNES earlier, gives patients a clear path for treatment and lays the foundation for future advances in robotic surgery.”

Learn more about the services offered at Dignity Health Hernia Institute.

About Dignity Health

Dignity Health is a multi-state nonprofit network encompassing 39 acute care hospitals and over 400 care centers, including urgent care, surgery and imaging facilities, home health, and primary care clinics. With a dedicated team of 10,000 physicians and 60,000 employees across Arizona, California, and Nevada, we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care, with a special focus on the poor and underserved. 

Dignity Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system dedicated to advancing health for all and serving the common good. For more information, please visit our website at commonspirit.org/dignity-health.