Precision Meets Progress: Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital’s 100 Robotic Surgeries Strengthen Care for Rural Patients
March 9, 2026
Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital (LCH) has reached a major milestone in advanced medical care, completing its 100th robot-assisted surgery just six months after launching the program — a development that is expanding access to high-quality surgical care for residents across Laurens County and surrounding rural communities.
The hospital’s first robotic procedure took place on August 19, 2025, when Dr. Aaron Price performed a gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). Since then, surgeons have used robotic assistance to complete a broad range of procedures, including appendectomies, hernia repairs, and complex colon surgeries.
The milestone 100th robotic surgery was performed on February 11, 2026, by Dr. Stephen Bayuk.
Expanding Access to Advanced Care
Hospital leadership says the achievement reflects a strong commitment to bringing cutting-edge healthcare technology to patients who might otherwise need to travel outside the county for complex procedures.
“Reaching 100 robotic surgeries at Laurens County Hospital is a powerful reminder of what it means to be here for good,” said Justin Benfield, CEO of Laurens County Hospital. “Prisma Health is committed to investing in cutting-edge technology for the patients we serve, no matter where they live. By offering robotic surgery close to home, we’re improving patient access, strengthening outcomes, and ensuring our local communities receive high-quality, advanced care without having to travel far.”
Surgeons Driving the Program Forward
L to R: Dr. Bayuk, Dr Price, Brittany Thomas (surgical nurse practitioner), Jennifer Hill (surgi
Two surgeons have led the effort to establish and grow the robotic surgery program at LCH.
Dr. Aaron Price joined Laurens County Hospital seven months ago after completing a five-year General Surgery Residency at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, where robotic surgery training was part of his curriculum. He performed the hospital’s first robotic procedure.
“Hitting the 100th robotic case milestone is a wonderful accomplishment, and it’s a testament to the tireless effort and dedication the Prisma Health team has put into providing the very best care possible for the patients of Laurens County and the surrounding area,” said Dr. Price. “One hundred robotic cases in the first six months at Laurens County Hospital is a wonderful start, but it’s also just the beginning. I’m incredibly humbled that I could play a role and be a part of the amazing team that made this happen.”
Dr. Stephen Bayuk, now in his fourth year at Laurens County Hospital, performed the 100th procedure.
“Robotic-assisted surgery allows us to provide world-class care in a rural setting,” said Dr. Bayuk. “I’m proud to be part of a team that’s bringing this level of care to our community and expanding what’s possible for our patients here in Laurens County.”
Understanding Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Despite the name, robotic-assisted surgery does not mean a robot performs the operation independently. Surgeons remain in full control at all times, using robotic technology as a highly precise tool that enhances their skills.
Physicians undergo extensive training to adapt traditional surgical techniques for robotic systems. For Dr. Price, that training has been an ongoing focus for the past five years.
The technology provides several important benefits for patients, including:
- Increased surgical precision
- Shorter hospital stays after surgery
- Less post-operative pain and discomfort
- Reduced scarring
- Faster recovery and return to normal daily activities
A Milestone That Signals Continued Growth
Hospital officials emphasize that reaching 100 robotic surgeries is not an endpoint but an early indicator of the program’s success and future potential.
As Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital continues to expand its surgical capabilities, more residents will be able to receive advanced, high-quality care without leaving their community — strengthening both healthcare access and overall quality of life across rural Laurens County.
