Know Your Neighbor: UNC Health Appalachian

Watauga Surgical Introduces the da Vinci 5 Surgical Robot:
Advanced Technology, Close to Home

BOONE, NC – For more than 40 years, Watauga Surgical has provided personalized care and innovative solutions to meet the surgical needs of patients across the High Country. That commitment continues with the addition of the da Vinci 5 Surgical Robot at Watauga Medical Center – one of the most advanced surgical systems available.

This technology brings enhanced precision, smaller incisions, shorter recovery times, and improved patient outcomes. With sharper imaging, refined control, and powerful computing capabilities, the da Vinci 5 enhances the skill of the surgeon and sets a new standard for surgical care in our region and the state of North Carolina.

Unlike the name might suggest, the da Vinci 5 is not a standalone machine. Surgeons remain in complete control throughout every procedure, operating the robotic arms from a console in the operating room. The system responds to each movement of the surgeon’s hands with incredible accuracy, offering capabilities beyond what human hands alone can achieve. UNC Health Appalachian is proud to offer this level of innovation locally – making it possible for patients to access the latest surgical technology without needing to travel outside the area.

You're Invited: Meet the Robot & Surgeons Event on
Tuesday, May 13 from 5:30PM - 7:30PM

To celebrate this major advancement, the public is invited to attend a Meet the Robot & Surgeons event at Watauga Medical Center. Guests will have the opportunity to see the da Vinci 5 in action and meet the Watauga Surgical team, including Dr. Emad H. Asham, MD, FACS, FRCS, the newest addition to the Watauga Surgical.

“I pursued surgery as a calling to heal the injured and restore health,” said Dr. Asham. “For me, success isn’t measured by the number of procedures I’ve performed, but by the well-being of my patients. This technology allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures that lead to better outcomes for patients.”

Download & Share the Invitation

Robotic-assisted surgery is used in procedures such as hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and other general surgeries. While not every case requires the robot, many patients benefit from the minimally invasive approach it enables – experiencing less discomfort and returning to their daily activities sooner.

The arrival of the da Vinci 5 at Watauga Medical Center marks a significant investment in the health and well-being of the High Country. It’s another way UNC Health Appalachian is bringing exceptional care closer to home.

To learn more, visit Watauga Surgical or call 828-264-2340.

Additional Resources 
Hear from a patient at UNC Health Appalachian 
Meet Dr. Emad Asham