Christus Southeast Texas adds da Vinci surgical system

Christus Southeast Texas Health System announced Tuesday that it has acquired a new high-tech robotic surgical system at Christus Southeast Texas — St. Elizabeth.  

The Intuitive da Vinci 5 surgical system is used for minimally-invasive procedures. It is a robotic arm that surgeons completely control, translating their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements using tiny instruments. The system’s immersive vision system also provides surgeons with a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands throughout the surgery.

“The device and minimally invasive approach allow our patients to undergo their necessary procedures with less recovery time and better visualization for our physicians,” said Dr. Iumy Torres, general surgeon for Christus Southeast Texas — St. Elizabeth. “In addition, our patients may experience less pain and scarring and less risk of infection. The improvements on what this technology can do is baffling.”

Christus Health is committed to providing patients with innovative and compassionate health care, and newly purchased 15 da Vinci 5 surgical systems for hospitals throughout the health system. The technology is part of Christus Health’s high-reliability strategy to continually advance the consistency and effectiveness of the care it is blessed to provide the communities it serves.

“Robotic surgery techniques are rapidly evolving into the gold standard of care for a variety of surgical needs,” said Dr. Sam Bagchi, executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Christus Health. “I am excited about our leadership in transforming care for our patients as we work to create an amazing caregiving experience for our surgeons at Christus Health.”

Procedures using this new robotic technology started this week.

“This robot not only advances our procedures but allows us to record the techniques used during them,” said Dr. Darioush Kavouspour, assistant director of trauma services for Christus Southeast Texas — St. Elizabeth. “This is a game changer because typically, discussions regarding procedure techniques are verbal, but now we can watch back the procedure together as a team for learning and teaching purposes.”

This new technology will be used for urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgeries.

“The da Vinci 5 is the first of its kind in southeast Texas, and we are proud to possess the tools we need to provide this quality of care,” said Paul Trevino, chief executive officer for Christus Southeast Texas — St. Elizabeth. “The investment in our surgical program is a great example of how Christus Health is committed to providing our patients with the very best care possible, close to home. We will continue to grow our programs and support the needs of our community as we fulfill our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”