FirstHealth Celebrates 10,000 Surgeries with the da Vinci 5 Robotic System

PINEHURST, N.C. -- FirstHealth has now completed 10,000 surgeries with the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system, reaching a milestone that reflects our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients. 

FirstHealth is one of just five hospitals in North Carolina to offer the da Vinci 5 surgical system. 

"Reaching 10,000 surgeries with the da Vinci 5 robot is an important milestone because robotic surgery has been shown to have better outcomes, quicker recovery times and reflects the positive impact we have made in the community," says Wayne McFatter, administrative director of surgical services at FirstHealth. 

Advancing Surgical Precision with the da Vinci 5

FirstHealth acquired the system in 2007 to provide patients with the most up-to-date surgical technology. It is designed to assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive surgeries, offering enhanced precision and control. It includes 3D high-definition imaging and flexible robotic arms.

Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Patients

The da Vinci 5 system is equipped to support minimally invasive procedures in various specialties, including urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgeries. Key benefits to the system include: 

• First-of-its-kind force feedback technology to reduce the amount of force applied to tissue, enabling a more delicate touch during procedures. 
• Enhanced 3DHD visualization, featuring truer colors and higher resolution. 
• Improved ergonomic design to optimize surgeon comfort and provide an enhanced view of the surgical field. 
• Unmatched computing power to provide valuable, real-time insights. 
• Because it requires smaller incisions and gives surgeons enhanced control, it can reduce pain and speed up recovery times. 

Better Outcomes Through Experience and Innovation

While reaching 10,000 surgeries is a milestone in and of itself, what the number really represents is increased patient volumes. According to David Grantham, M.D., chair of robotics, there is a direct correlation between increased volumes and improved outcomes. 

"The celebration is not just about case numbers," says Grantham. "It's about the thousands of patients who have experienced the positive impact of continually improving technology in concert with the surgeons and our hospital that are dedicated to seeking continued excellence." 

A Center of Excellence for Robotic Surgery in NC

FirstHealth is a Center of Excellence for robotic surgery. Our robust robotic surgery program now encompasses multiple advanced robotic platforms, empowering surgeons across specialties-including general surgery, gynecologic oncology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, urology, orthopaedics and bariatrics-to deliver minimally invasive procedures for a wide range of conditions.