Houston VA First to Adopt Advanced Robotic Surgery Technology for Veterans
By Maureen Dyman, Communications Director
Veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston will now experience enhanced surgical outcomes and quicker recovery times, thanks to the addition of two state-of-the-art surgical robots.
The facility has become the first VA to implement the new Da Vinci 5 robotic systems, designed to improve precision and control in minimally invasive procedures.
“The new surgical robots will allow our surgeons to see, work and now “feel” inside the body through fewer, smaller, and more precise incisions,” said Dr. Jeffery Jones, chief of Urology at the Houston VA. “We are thrilled to introduce this breakthrough technology, enabling us to provide our Veterans with top-tier health care and optimal outcomes.”
The new advanced surgical robots are equipped with high-definition cameras, flexible robotic arms, and innovative feedback technology that gives surgeons a sense of touch through vibrations or other sensations. This feedback allows surgeons to gauge the pressure they are applying, ultimately leading to more precise surgical procedures.
According to Dr. Jones, this technology will reduce risks for Veterans and potentially facilitate faster, more complete recoveries.
“This new technology is incredibly precise and quick; it truly is a game changer for us and our Veterans,” Jones added. “We’re excited to be the first VA to integrate this remarkable technology into Veteran care.”
Jones, a former Navy flight surgeon, is also a professor at Baylor College of Medicine. He believes the educational benefits of the new robotic systems will be invaluable for VA surgeons.
“These robots utilize artificial intelligence to analyze various aspects of surgical performance, such as the number of movements and the pressure applied,” he explained. “Even seasoned physicians like myself can gain from this insightful data.”
Robotic-assisted surgeries enable physicians to operate through tiny incisions—approximately 1 to 2 centimeters—often allowing for closures with minimal stitches or even just a bandage. This approach can significantly reduce scarring, recovery time, and pain for patients. The new surgical robots boast 150 design innovations and possess 10,000 times the computing power of the previous robotic surgery systems.
Dr. Samir Awad, chief of surgery at the Houston VA, noted that robotic systems have been part of the operating room for decades, continually evolving to assist in increasingly complex procedures.
“We are consistently looking for ways to achieve better patient outcomes,” Awad said. “These new robotic surgical systems are an incredible tool that will result in smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recoveries for our Veterans. Our Veterans deserve world-class care and we are honored to give it to them.”