United Health Services announced on Apr. 13 that it has become the first hospital system in Greater Binghamton to use the da Vinci 5 surgical system for robotic-assisted procedures at UHS Binghamton General Hospital.
The introduction of this new technology is significant for patients in the region, as it represents an advancement in minimally invasive surgery and a continued commitment to high-quality care. The da Vinci 5 offers enhanced precision and efficiency, supporting a wide range of procedures across general surgery, urology, gynecology, and other specialties.
“We are thrilled to be among the first health systems in our region to acquire the da Vinci 5,” said John M. Carrigg, president and chief executive officer of UHS. “Our surgeons have extensive experience in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery, and this new tool reflects our commitment to delivering advanced care for patients in Greater Binghamton and beyond.”
The new platform from Intuitive features more than 150 enhancements aimed at supporting surgeon autonomy and improving team efficiency. It includes advanced three-dimensional imaging for greater detail during operations and updated controls for smoother instrument movements. UHS has used previous generations of da Vinci technology since 2019; adding the latest model expands its capabilities while complementing existing systems already in place.
“The da Vinci 5 will help us continue to grow our surgical program and deliver even more advanced care,” said Leonard S. Anderson, MD, director of surgery at UHS. “This system allows for smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the body during complex procedures. It’s a meaningful step forward in robotic surgery that may help reduce recovery time for patients.”
Christopher Engler, DO, emergency and trauma surgeon as well as chair of the Robotics Steering Committee at UHS said: “At UHS, we continually seek advances in technology to enhance the care we provide… The da Vinci 5 system will help us fulfill our mission of improving the health of the communities we serve through compassionate, patient-centered care.”
UHS will continue using its existing robotic systems alongside the new one so surgeons can select appropriate technology based on each patient’s needs.
