Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s Robotic Surgical Services Team recently performed its first robotic surgery case at the hospital’s outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Pavilion (ASP) using the DaVinci X robot — the latest generation of the technology.
Robotic surgery procedures that are now performed at the ASP include: most hernia surgeries, gallbladder surgeries, and certain gynecologic and urologic procedures.
“We’re excited to offer robotic surgery in this setting as a convenient alternative for patients,” Dr. Sammy Elsamra, director of Robotic Surgical Services at RWJUH and Associate Professor of Surgery (Urology) at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “The types of procedures we can offer include any outpatient robotic surgery. This represents an ever-increasing number of procedures as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses have become more experienced in this discipline.”
This is the first robotic surgery performed in an ambulatory surgery center within RWJBarnabas Health.
“We anticipate that the successful implementation of this program at RWJUH’s ASP will benefit our patients and will serve as a model for many hospitals across RWJBarnabas Health,” Elsamra added. “Advances in robotic surgery have allowed some major cases (cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy; and in some places even radical prostatectomy) to be safely done in an outpatient setting.”
RWJUH’s Robotic Surgery Program features the latest generation of Intuitive da Vinci robotic systems: X, Xi, and SP. This technology provides surgeons with increased maneuverability, enhanced imaging technologies, and advanced energy options. The program’s expert surgeons at RWJUH, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey treat more than 1,200 patients each year across a broad range of disciplines including ear, nose and throat; thoracic, cardiac, general surgery, bariatric, urologic, gynecologic, and colorectal surgery. The team also offers expertise in cancer care with surgical oncology, gynecological oncology, and urologic oncology capabilities.
The Ambulatory Surgical Pavilion at RWJUH, located at 10 Plum Street, New Brunswick, is a state-of-the-art, 13,000-square-foot same-day surgery center. It features four operating rooms, one procedure room, a 10-bed post-anesthesia care unit as well as a 13-bed pre- and post-operative area.
