Scripps Mercy Acquires Latest Robotic Surgery Technology

The newly established Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Program at Scripps Mercy Hospital has acquired the most advanced da Vinci® Surgical System available today. The system provides surgeons with enhanced dexterity, precision and control through patented instruments with a much greater range of motion than the human hand and wrist. It is also the first robotic surgical system to provide surgeons with three-dimensional, high-definition vision for improved clarity and detail of the surgical area.


The da Vinci Surgical System comprises a surgeon console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms and a high-performance vision system. Powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the surgeon’s hand movements are scaled, filtered and seamlessly translated into precise movements.


“The da Vinci Surgical System is a tremendous asset in the operating room as it enables the surgical team to offer patients a faster recovery, reduced pain and a shorter hospital stay,” said Carol Salem, M.D., medical director of the Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Programat Scripps Mercy Hospital. “With this new program, patients are offered the precision of robotics, the skill of experienced surgeons and highly personalized care.”


Robotic surgery offers patients a broader range of alternatives to conventional open surgery. The most common robotic surgery is radical prostatectomy (prostate removal), but the system can also be used for many other types of surgery, including cardiothoracic, gynecologic, oncologic and even bariatric surgeries.


Dr. Carol Salem, the Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Program’s medical director, is certified by the American Board of Urology with a subspecialty in urologic oncology. Dr. Salem specializes in surgically treating prostate cancer and other urologic malignancies. She has joined Hillcrest Urological Medical Group, across from Scripps Mercy Hospital.


Established in 1890 by the Sisters of Mercy, Scripps Mercy Hospital serves the San Diego and Chula Vista communities. With 700 licensed beds, more than 3,000 employees and 1,300 physicians, Scripps Mercy Hospital is San Diego’s longest established and only Catholic hospital. With two campuses, Scripps Mercy Hospital is the largest hospital in San Diego County and one of the 10 largest in California


Contact: Kristin Reinhardt

Email: reinhardt.kristin@scrippshealth.org

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