Mercy Hospital Jefferson will be improving safety and comfort for many of its surgical patients with the addition of a da Vinci Surgical System. The da Vinci system enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with increased precision. The small incisions lessen the pain for patients, speed recovery, preserve more healthy tissue and avoid the greater risks associated with an open, more invasive surgery. It also means patients can receive this advanced level of care closer to home and avoid a longer trip to a St. Louis hospital.

Mercy Jefferson was able to add this technology thanks to the generous support of the Jefferson Foundation, which is providing a significant portion of the needed funding, along with individual gifts to Mercy Health Foundation Jefferson from the community, medical staff and hospital leaders.

Mercy Jefferson will be able to use the robotic surgical system right away thanks to current Mercy physicians who are bringing their experience to Mercy Jefferson. Surgeons can use the da Vinci Surgical System for a variety of surgeries. Initially, Mercy Jefferson will be using it for urological surgeries (such as prostate, bladder and kidney); gynecological surgeries (women’s health); and general surgeries (such as gallbladder and appendix).

Most patients are good candidates for robotic-assisted surgery, though some health conditions may require a different approach. Patients and their physicians should discuss whether robotic-assisted surgery is a good option for them.