Mercy's Thomas J. Swope, M.D. Named an EpiCenter Surgeon for the da Vinci Robot

Mercy gynecologic oncologist Dr. Dwight Im, Director of The National Institute for Robotic Surgery at Mercy, has announced that Dr. Thomas J. Swope, Director of The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mercy, has received certification as an EpiCenter.  Dr. Swope earned EpiCenter status as a result of his experience, expertise and quality outcomes.

Mercy is now the only dual certified robotic surgery center in Maryland with Dr. Im surpassing all other gynecologists and gynecologic oncologists in the U.S. for number of robotic surgeries performed each year.

“Dr. Swope has achieved another robotic surgery milestone in his commitment to advance the care and treatment of hernia repair. As a result of his advanced training, Dr. Swope’s robotic surgery patients typically experience a low rate of pain, a shorter hospital stay and a reduced rate of recurrence,” Dr. Im said.

Dr. Swope explained that the EpiCenter designation is awarded only to those physicians who have performed a high number of robotic cases, are able to teach other physicians on the robot, and who have continually experienced high-quality outcomes for patients.

“I am honored by the EpiCenter designation. It is extremely gratifying to work with other doctors and surgeons in the fine art of performing robotic surgery, learning procedures that traditionally have been done using traditional open or laparoscopic surgery. With robotic surgery, we are able to offer our patients even more treatment options,” Dr. Swope said.

Dr. Swope uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci robot for hernia repair as well as a number of other minimally invasive procedures including colon resection, gallbladder removal, and anti-reflux surgery.

Mercy has been awarded the distinction of being the only hospital in Maryland and one of only two robotic programs in the entire nation to earn EpiCenter Certification in two specialties—Gynecologic Oncology through Dr. Dwight Im, and General Surgery, through Dr. T.J. Swope. Mercy continues to play a leadership role in the field of robotic surgery for the benefit of our patients.

Mercy’s National Institute of Robotic Surgery affords patients seeking advanced robotic treatment, the emerging gold standard of care, in such fields as gynecology, surgical oncology, general surgery, gynecologic oncology, urogynecology and urology.