Crouse Sets Standard for Robotic Surgery in Central New York: 15,000 Procedures Performed Since 2008

• by Urban CNY News
• July 22, 2023

Pictured L-R: Seth Kronenberg, MD, CEO; Jill Hauswirth, director surgical services; surgeon Ben Sadowitz, MD; Lisa Miller, robotics team leader; surgeon Mary Cunningham, MD; surgeon Doug Bunn, MD. Drs. Bunn and Cunningham, in 2008, were the first two surgeons at Crouse to use the da Vinci technology. Syracuse, NY — Crouse Health has reached a rare milestone in the field of minimally invasive surgery – 15,000 robotic-assisted procedures performed since the launch of the program in 2008. Since that time the robotics program at Crouse has expanded to include eight robotic systems, with seven da Vinci XI systems and the latest addition of a da Vinci Single Port (SP) system, the only one in Central New York. The program’s 27 surgeons provide the procedures and technology that support a variety of medical conditions in a wide range of specialty areas, including general, bariatric, colorectal, thoracic surgery, GYN oncology, gynecology and urology. “Our surgeons have been pioneers in robotic-assisted surgery for 15 years. This achievement highlights Crouse’s regional leadership in minimally invasive robotic surgery and reflects our dedication to improving the lives of patients through leading-edge technology,” says Crouse President and CEO Seth Kronenberg, MD, speaking at a recent celebration for the robotics team. The da Vinci surgical system integrates robotics and extremely sophisticated computer technology with the skills of the surgeon. The system allows surgeons to see and move in three dimensions, giving them the ability to perform delicate operations with greater precision but requiring only tiny surgical openings. By avoiding the large incisions of open surgery, this computer-assisted micro-surgery helps avoid many post-surgical complications while shortening patient recovery time. “We’re proud of the program we have built in collaboration with many of the region’s top surgeons and look forward to utilizing this innovative technology to continue to improve patient outcomes,” says Dr. Kronenberg.