For many patients, surgery comes with two big questions: Who will be performing it? And what tools will they be using? At Surgical Association of Mobile, you don’t have to choose between expertise and innovation. With Dr. Barry Ballard and the da Vinci Surgical System, patients get both: the steady hand of a trusted local surgeon and the precision of world-class technology.
Just how innovative is this? The procedures Dr. Ballard has performed using the da Vinci technology were the very first to be done in an outpatient surgical center in Alabama – a groundbreaking moment that brings cutting-edge care closer to home.
Meet Dr. Barry Ballard
Born and raised in Mobile, Dr. Ballard knew from the time he was in high school that surgery was his calling. He got his start scrubbing in as an orderly at Springhill Memorial Hospital, and after completing his medical degree at the University of South Alabama and his general surgery residency at the University of South Alabama Medical Center, he chose to stay home to serve the community that shaped him.
Dr. Ballard is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of leading surgical associations. His specialties include:
- Bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy
- Hernia repair
- Colon and rectal surgery
- Gallbladder removal
- Thyroid and parathyroid surgery
- Treatment for GERD and chronic acid reflux
Most importantly, Dr. Ballard is known for his patient-first approach. He listens, explains, and makes sure every individual understands their options before moving forward.
What Is the da Vinci Surgical System?
It’s easy to assume the word “robot” means the machine is operating on its own. In reality, da Vinci is a surgeon-controlled system, acting as a highly advanced tool that extends a surgeon’s vision and movement beyond what’s possible with the human hand alone.
From the surgeon’s console, Dr. Ballard controls tiny wristed instruments that can bend and rotate far more precisely than the human wrist. The system translates his movements into real-time surgical action – steady, scaled, and precise.
What Does This Mean For Patients?
- Smaller incisions and less scarring
- Less blood loss and reduced risk of complications
- Less pain after surgery
- Faster recovery and return to daily life
The da Vinci technology enables Dr. Ballard to perform complex procedures through minimally invasive approaches that were once only possible with open surgery.
Features in Everyday Language
The da Vinci offers features that sound high-tech on paper, but this is how it breaks down:
- Sharper vision for the surgeon: Dr. Ballard sees the abdominal anatomy in magnified 3D detail, down to tiny vessels and tissues.
- Real-time guidance: Firefly technology illuminates blood flow and bile ducts, enabling Dr. Ballard to protect delicate structures.
- Greater flexibility: The system’s wristed instruments move with more agility than the human hand, allowing Dr. Ballard to navigate tight spaces with ease.
What makes the da Vinci system remarkable isn’t the technology alone, but what happens when it’s placed in the hands of a surgeon like Dr. Ballard: someone who combines hometown dedication with world-class training and precision.
With Dr. Ballard and the da Vinci, patients can trust they’re receiving advanced care that’s both cutting-edge and compassionate.
da Vinci FAQ
Is robotic surgery safe?
Yes. Robotic surgery is not an “autopilot” system – da Vinci is completely controlled by Dr. Ballard. The technology simply enhances his vision and precision. Like any surgery, there are risks, but robotic surgery is considered very safe and has been performed in millions of procedures worldwide.
Will a robot perform my surgery?
No. Dr. Ballard performs every aspect of your procedure. The da Vinci system is a set of advanced tools that extend his capabilities, allowing him to work through smaller incisions with greater accuracy.
What types of procedures can Dr. Ballard perform with da Vinci?
Dr. Ballard uses the da Vinci for a variety of bariatric and general surgeries, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and more.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for robotic surgery?
Not every procedure or patient is suited for robotic surgery. Dr. Ballard will meet with you, review your medical history, and determine whether robotic surgery is the safest and most effective option for your situation.
What should I expect during recovery?
While recovery varies by procedure and individual, most patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster healing compared to open surgery. Dr. Ballard and his team will give you a personalized recovery plan.
