On Thursday, October 22^nd Houston Medical Center completed its 400^th robotic assisted surgical case. In November 2019, the first robotic case was performed with assistance of the da Vinci Xi Surgical System.

The da Vinci Xi System was designed with the goal of further advancing the technology used in minimally invasive surgery. The System can be used across a spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures and has been optimized for multi-quadrant surgeries in the areas of gynecology, urology, thoracic, cardiac and general surgery.

“Houston Healthcare is proud to offer robotic surgery. Our robotic equipment assists the skilled physician in providing minimally invasive surgery,” shares Dr. Mindy Hartley, DNP, MBA-MHA, RN, NE-BC, Chief Operating Officer for Houston Healthcare. “This tool allows the physician to make small incisions and a high definition look inside the body while the physician performs the surgical procedure. Investment in this technology is another way Houston Healthcare is working to provide our community with exceptional care ‘at home’ in our county.” 

Houston Healthcare physicians using the da Vinci Xi system initially included general surgeons but has now expanded to a gynecologist. Robotic surgery significantly decreases recovery time, infection rates, blood loss, and pain. Because of this, the use of robotic surgery improves patient care, reduces length of stay, and consumes fewer resources. 

One physician, Dr. Kerry Rodgers, general surgeon on the medical staff at Houston Medical Center, has championed the program from its inception and continues to be an advocate for the benefits to the patient. “The da Vinci robot is the greatest technological contribution to surgery since the scalpel, and I really love it,” says. Dr. Rodgers. “Patient recovery has been reduced to days, not weeks, and many patients require no opioid pain medication at all!” Dr. Rodgers has now completed his 200^th case using the da Vinci Xi robot.