(Brooklyn, NY) Maimonides Medical Center has enhanced its robotics surgery capabilities by adding three new robots, making it the largest robotic-assisted surgery program in Brooklyn.  Maimonides has 25+ surgeons performing almost 1,000 minimally invasive procedures with robotic technology annually, in a variety of specialties. The additional robots will allow the hospital to perform 600-800 more surgical cases a year. 

Advanced robotic-assisted surgery provides significant clinical benefits for patients, allowing surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures, as well as delicate procedures robotically, which can improve surgical outcomes.  

“Maimonides surgeons have performed minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery for over two decades,” said Kenneth Gibbs, Maimonides President and CEO. “As pioneers in the field, we train our residents and fellows on robotic technology – gaining first-hand experience performing the latest robotic-assisted procedures. Having this technology close to home is invaluable for our patients.”

The advantages of robotic-assisted surgery are many, including the high levels of precision and accuracy, often surpassing human capabilities. Benefits of these operations include smaller incisions, less pain, reduced scarring, and a decreased risk of infection. Additionally, robotic systems provide 3D high-definition visualization, which improves visibility, helping surgeons navigate complex anatomical structures more effectively.

Also, due to the minimally invasive nature of many robotic-assisted procedures, patients often experience faster recoveries and shorter hospital stays, leading to reduced costs and improved patient satisfaction.

“Given that these robotic assisted, minimally invasive procedures offer improved recovery time, less pain and minimal scarring, many people can return to daily activities quickly with little or no postoperative restrictions,” said Dr. Rebecca Rhee, Division Chief of Colon & Rectal Surgery, Program Director, General Surgery Residency.

The state-of-the-art robotic surgical systems are used to treat a range of conditions, including:

• Abdominal and digestive conditions, such as stomach and digestive cancers, as well as hernia repair and removal, and gallbladder removal
• Colorectal conditions, including colon and rectal cancers and bowel conditions
• Urologic cancers including prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Gynecologic cancers including ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer
• Benign gynecologic conditions, including fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and procedures such as hysterectomy 
• Pediatric conditions, including abdominal and digestive conditions, pediatric cancers and urinary issues
• Orthopedic conditions, including joint and shoulder replacement
• Urinary and kidney conditions, including blockages and kidney removal
• Weight-loss / bariatric procedures

In 2001, Maimonides Urologic Surgery team was first in Brooklyn to offer robotic surgery.  Maimonides Bone & Joint Center was the first hospital in Brooklyn to pioneer robotic joint replacement.  And Maimonides Children’s Hospital was the first hospital to offer robot-assisted surgery to the children of Brooklyn.

Maimonides Medical Center is the only hospital in New York State to receive the 2023 America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care Award™ and the only hospital in New York City to receive the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery Award™ for two years in a row (2022-2023). Healthgrades also named Maimonides #1 in New York State for Surgical Care and Orthopedic Surgery (2023), and U.S. News & World Report recognized Maimonides as High Performing for Colon Cancer Surgery, Lung Cancer Surgery, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, Orthopedics, and Urology (2023-2024).

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