da Vinci™ Robotic Surgery

The robotics program at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital offers the latest in surgical and robotic technologies

doctor standing in front of the da Vinci machine

HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese is home to the da Vinci Xi Surgical System – one of the most advanced, state-of-the-art robotic surgery technologies available in the world today.

Robotic-Assisted da Vinci® surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that allows specially trained surgeons to use the da Vinci Surgical System to perform a wide range of delicate and complex operations through a few small incisions.

The surgeon views the surgical site through a magnified 3D high-definition console system and controls tiny instruments that bend and rotate far greater than a human wrist, while minimizing movement and hand tremors. As a result, the da Vinci system enables surgeons to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity, and control.

Though it is often called a "robot," the da Vinci system cannot act on its own. Surgery is performed entirely by the surgeon who controls the da Vinci system.

Advantages of robotic surgery:

  • Surgery is minimally-invasive, with reduced scarring
  • Smaller incisions
  • Reduced pain and trauma to the body
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less pain medication is required
  • Faster recovery and return to normal daily activities

Procedures performed robotically include

  • Gall bladder removal 
  • Inguinal (groin) hernia repair 
  • Umbilical hernia repair 
  • Incision hernia repair 
  • Hiatal hernia repair 
  • Ventral hernia repair 
  • Total hysterectomy 
  • Endometriosis removal 
  • Oophorectomy 
  • Myomectomy