The Latest in Surgical Innovation at Southern New Hampshire Health 

Advancing surgical care in southern New Hampshire 

Southern New Hampshire Health is committed to providing expert care and advanced technology close to home. Alongside robotic surgical assistants, our team of highly skilled surgeons uses the latest technology to further support precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times for patients.  

As a non-profit health system, Southern New Hampshire Health invests in advanced surgical technology, ensuring that our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members have access to advanced care close to home. Technologies such as Enterra, aquablation, Airo TruCT, and minimally invasive vein procedures are strong examples of this commitment in action. 

Enterra therapy for gastroparesis 

Enterra is a small electrical stimulator that is surgically placed under the abdominal skin to help treat gastroparesis.  Gastroparesis is a difficult-to-treat disorder that can cause ongoing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially in people with diabetes. In severe cases, patients can require frequent hospitalizations to manage their symptoms.  Currently, Southern New Hampshire Health is the only health system in the state offering this treatment. 

“Enterra therapy can be life-changing for patients with severe gastroparesis and has been shown to dramatically decrease the frequency and intensity of symptoms in patients who have not responded to medication or dietary modification,” says Dr. Robert Catania of Southern NH Weight Management. 

The device sends gentle electrical pulses to the stomach muscles to help control symptoms from gastroparesis. Once implanted, the device can be adjusted in the office to provide optimal symptomatic management. While it is not a cure for gastroparesis, many patients find relief when other treatments have not worked. Enterra therapy in combination with medical management, dietary modification, and/or pyloric therapy (endoscopic or surgical) offers the chance to regain function and improve quality of life for patients with this debilitating condition. 

Aquablation therapy for enlarged prostate 

Aquablation is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate, also called BPH. The procedure uses high-pressure water and robotic guidance to remove extra prostate tissue. There are no cuts or stitches, and the procedure is often completed in less than an hour. 

Dr. Stephen Hill explains that treatment helps improve urine flow and reduce symptoms like frequent urination and trouble starting. Many patients return to normal activity within one to two weeks. Aquablation also lowers the risk of certain side effects compared to traditional surgery, helping preserve sexual function and improve quality of life for male patients. 

Airo TruCT for real-time imaging 

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center is the first hospital in our region to offer Airo TruCT mobile imaging. This advanced system provides surgeons with real-time 3D images during brain and spine surgery. 

Dr. Michael Horgan of Foundation Neurosurgery says, “Using Airo TruCT has enhanced how we see and respond in the operating room. It gives us clearer, more immediate insight to guide decisions, while also helping us complete certain procedures more efficiently. Its mobility allows it to adapt easily within our space, bringing added flexibility to our team. We’re proud to bring this advanced surgical technology to our region.”

Because the scanner is brought directly into the operating room, surgeons can see detailed images right away and make quick decisions. This helps improve accuracy, protect important structures like nerves, and often reduces complications. The technology can also shorten surgery time and support faster recovery for patients. 

Varicose and spider vein treatment 

Advances in vein care have transformed treatment into a highly efficient, patient-friendly experience. At the Southern New Hampshire Health Vein Clinic, most procedures are minimally invasive and performed right in the office, eliminating the need for a hospital stay. This includes procedures for varicose and spider veins. 

Dr. Luis Suarez of Mass General Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Foundation Vascular Surgery explains, "The management of venous disease has changed greatly in the past decade. Most of the treatments that we do now are minimally invasive and office-based, so we don't even need to go to the operating room.” 

Techniques like radiofrequency ablation use targeted heat delivered through a small catheter to close malfunctioning veins and restore healthy blood flow. These procedures typically take less than an hour and require only a tiny puncture near the knee, allowing patients to return to normal activities the same day or the next. With success rates as high as 95 to 100 percent, these technologies offer both reliable outcomes and minimal disruption to daily life. 

In addition to thermal treatments, Southern NH Health Vein Clinic offers non-thermal options such as foam sclerotherapy and medical adhesive, which are especially useful for veins below the knee where heat cannot be safely applied. These approaches allow providers to treat a wider range of venous conditions with precision and flexibility.  

For larger surface veins, micro-incision techniques like phlebectomy gently remove problem veins through tiny openings, while cosmetic concerns such as spider veins can be addressed with quick injection treatments that require little to no downtime. Together, this range of technologies ensures that care is tailored to each patient’s needs, combining clinical effectiveness with comfort and convenience. 

Southern New Hampshire Health is committed to advancing surgical care in southern New Hampshire by bringing the latest innovative technology and expert care together in meaningful ways to further enhance patient care.  

Learn about AI innovation at Southern NH Health

From targeted therapies like Enterra, to minimally invasive treatments like aquablation, to real-time imaging with Airo TruCT, each advancement is designed with one goal in mind: improving the patient experience. 

Investing in tools that support our surgeons’ skill and precision enables Southern New Hampshire Health surgeons to further expand access to high-quality care in the greater Nashua community. Our focus on innovation with purpose ensures that patients receive thoughtful, personalized treatment with better outcomes and faster recovery, close to home. 

Learn more about surgery at Southern NH Health