Flushing Hospital Medical Center embarked on a journey into robotic surgery after acquiring the da Vinci Si Robot in 2014. The hospital’s first robotic surgery case was performed on August 20th of that year.
Since then, the volume of robotic cases has grown exponentially. Surgical representatives from Intuitive, the company that manufactures da Vinci robots, have said that Flushing Hospital’s first year of growth was faster than most other hospitals.
Over the years, Flushing Hospital’s robotic program developed a stellar reputation highlighted by excellent patient safety and satisfaction. The hospital’s track record for providing quality surgical care has earned the recognition of several renowned leaders in healthcare. This includes the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) which designated Flushing Hospital as a “Bariatric Center of Excellence” in 2018.
In March 2020, Flushing Hospital further demonstrated its commitment to being a leader in robotic surgery by purchasing the da Vinci Xi system, the 4th and most recent generation of robots. The new model has many advancements over its predecessor. The laser targeting system now allows easier docking, a boom-mounted system with a flexible and mobile platform provides better anatomic access in multi-quadrant surgeries, and the thin arms and instruments offer a greater range of motion. Additionally, the robot’s high-resolution 3D camera, 7-degree endo-wrist movement, and stable console make it easier for surgeons to perform fine dissection in deep and narrow working spaces.
With the acquisition of the da Vinci Xi, Flushing Hospital surgeons are able to operate even more precisely, faster and safer than in the past. By utilizing this advanced, minimally invasive technology, patients are offered several benefits including faster recovery times, less pain and discomfort.
The first case performed using the da Vinci Xi was successfully completed in June 2020, after a months-long suspension of elective surgeries due to the pandemic. Now that all surgeries have fully resumed, Flushing Hospital hopes to continue providing patients with excellent surgical care.