Throughout 2025, we saw tremendous growth in our surgical services at UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge. We are also making strong progress on the surgery renovation and expansion project. Much of the exterior work is now complete, and construction teams are focused on interior work to prepare the space for our teams to move in next spring.

The construction team has begun working on basement framing, precast erection and the corridor steel erection in the addition.

Within the renovation area, framing is approximately 85 percent completed. The team will next complete mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in inspections before moving into the drywall installation and placement of boom supports for the operating rooms.

Last summer, we installed a da Vinci Xi Surgical System, which allows our team to perform more complex, minimally invasive surgeries. The use of the robot means patients will typically see less pain, smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time.

Hernia repair and surgeries using the da Vinci robot

Since installing the da Vinci robot, Dr. Ericha Worple, DO, UnityPoint Clinic Surgery, has been able to increase access and availability for hernia repair consultations. With same-week availability, patients can expect a thorough review of their medical history, symptoms and lifestyle factors during an appointment. Imaging tests will be ordered and reviewed before treatment options are discussed.

Timely surgery is essential in avoiding hernia complications, and studies show using the da Vinci robot for hernia repairs leads to less complications and shorter hospital stays.

Gynecology surgeries using the da Vinci robot

This fall, Dr. Abby Sexton, DO, UnityPoint Clinic OB/GYN, completed the 100th surgery using the da Vinci robot. Gynecology procedures performed using the robot include hysterectomy, ovarian cystectomy, tubal ligation, endometriosis excision and diagnostic laparoscopy to check for endometriosis.

The da Vinci allows surgeons to complete the surgery through smaller incisions, leading to less postoperative pain and shorter recovery time. Patients can schedule an appointment with their OB/GYN provider for abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or other symptoms to determine if a da Vinci surgery is right for them.

Continuing to expand surgical care — bariatric services

While we look forward to the use of our new surgical space, we continue to grow our services within UnityPoint Clinic Surgery — Fort Dodge. This fall, Dr. Julie Kim MD, general surgeon, joined our team and we launched the surgical component of UnityPoint’s new Weight Care Program, bringing bariatric surgery services to patients locally.

We will continue to expand the program to include medical (non-surgical) weight-loss services, providing a comprehensive, long-term approach to weight management and metabolic health in Fort Dodge.

We are thankful to be able to provide more advanced surgeries and services, close to home. We look forward to 2027 when our surgery renovation and expansion is completed, and our teams will have a brand new, state-of-the-art facility to continue providing high-quality care to our patients.

Shannon McQuillen is the vice president of operations at UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge.