El Paso reached a new medical milestone as University Medical Center (UMC) became the first hospital in the city to perform a urological procedure using the advanced Da Vinci Single Port (SP) Robotic System.
Dr. Jesus Herrera-Murillo successfully conducted a partial nephrectomy, a procedure in which part of the kidney is removed, using the Da Vinci SP system. This marked El Paso’s first urological surgery using this state-of-the-art technology.
“The uniqueness of this procedure is the technology,” said Dr. Herrera-Murillo. “We are lucky UMC has a Single Port, which not very many places do, and this allows us to use the technology to stay away from the peritoneum and make a smaller incision.”
What Makes the Da Vinci SP Different?
Unlike traditional robotic-assisted surgeries that require multiple incisions, the Da Vinci SP system allows for a single incision, making surgeries less invasive and reducing patient recovery time. The system was introduced at UMC in 2023 and is designed to enhance precision, control, and access for surgeons.
Benefits for Patients:
- Fewer incisions
- Less pain
- Faster recovery times
- Reduced need for travel to other cities
“The biggest thing for me, since I am from El Paso, is that you do not have to go anywhere else for high-tech surgeries,” Dr. Herrera-Murillo said. “You do not need to go to Houston or other cities; we have what we need here.”
While other cities have used the Da Vinci SP for similar procedures, this marks the first time the system was used for a urological surgery in El Paso, reflecting UMC’s commitment to bringing the latest medical advancements to the local community.
With the introduction of the Da Vinci SP system, El Paso residents now have access to cutting-edge surgical care right at home.
Visit the UMC website for more information and resources available.
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