PIH Health Advances Surgical Procedures with da Vinci 5 Robot
In a significant step towards enhancing surgical capabilities, PIH Health has adopted the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system at its Whittier hospital. This groundbreaking technology marks a new era in minimally invasive surgery, anticipated to improve patient outcomes and streamline surgical processes. The first successful procedure utilizing this sophisticated robotic system took place on April 18, 2025, showcasing the operational advantages it provides.
The da Vinci 5 represents the pinnacle of robotic-assisted surgery. Notable advantages of this advanced system include exceptional precision, improved visualization, and features that enhance a surgeon's control over complex operations. This investment underscores PIH Health’s persistent commitment to integrating cutting-edge medical technologies into its healthcare services.
Jim West, the president and CEO of PIH Health, commented on this technological leap, stating that the da Vinci 5 signifies their dedication to ensuring excellence in patient care. By providing their patients access to the latest advancements in surgical technology, PIH Health establishes itself at the forefront of modern medical innovations.
The enhancements introduced with the da Vinci 5 are particularly impressive. Surgeons now benefit from 3D ultra-high-definition visualization, which greatly enhances their ability to navigate during procedures. The new robot also boasts an impressive range of motion combined with haptic feedback technology—enabling surgeons to literally feel the resistance of tissues as they work, leading to precise and sensitive handling during operations. Such advancements give practitioners the ability to make informed decisions with real-time data analysis, a feature dramatically improved from previous models.
One of the first surgeries performed with the system was a hysterectomy conducted by Dr. Samuel Im, a gynecologic oncologist with PIH Health. Dr. Im expressed his enthusiasm for the da Vinci 5, praising it as a remarkable progression in surgical technology that affords greater accuracy and efficiency. He noted that surgeries performed with this robot translate to smoother recoveries and better overall patient outcomes.
The capabilities of the da Vinci 5 extend across a variety of surgical specialties, including:
- - Urologic Surgeries: Such as prostatectomies and kidney surgeries.
- - Thoracic Surgeries: For instances like lung resections.
- - Colorectal Surgeries: Including colectomies for cancer or diverticulitis.
- - General Surgeries: Encompassing procedures like hernia repairs and gallbladder removals.
- - Gynecologic Surgeries: Addressing conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis, along with routine hysterectomies.
With these advancements, PIH Health continues to fulfill its promise of prioritizing patient care by investing in sophisticated medical technologies. These efforts not only enhance the quality of care provided but also strengthen PIH Health's position as a top healthcare provider in Southern California. The integration of the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system emphasizes the organization’s drive to minimize invasiveness in surgeries while maximizing the potential for recovery, setting a new benchmark for surgical practices.
About PIH Health
PIH Health is a nonprofit healthcare network serving around 3 million residents in the Los Angeles and Orange county areas. It includes several hospitals and medical offices, providing extensive healthcare services. The organization is recognized nationally for its commitment to excellence in patient care, having received accolades for its quality and innovative healthcare practices. For more details, visit
PIHHealth.org.