Minimally Invasive and Robotic-Assisted Surgery

The American College of Surgeons ranks SJMHS among the best cancer care providers in the United States. We have an expert team of respected and experienced oncological surgeons. Each is specially trained to treat specific cancers:

• Esophageal / Thoracic
• daVinci(r) Prostate
• Breast
• Neurological
• Renal & Prostate
• Cutaneous
• Hepatobiliary / Colorectal

In 2007, SJMHS opened one of America's most sophisticated surgery pavilions at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor. The all-new, 60,000 square-foot facility features 17 suites designed for minimally invasive procedures and equipped with the latest computer, image-driven technology, including a robotic-assisted surgery system.

For cancer patients these innovations mean faster recovery, less blood loss, less pain and more options for palliative care.

daVinci(r) Robotic Surgical System

We are committed to offering the latest technology and in 2006 added the daVinci(r) to our list of advanced capabilities. This robotic platform is designed to enable complex surgery using a very precise, minimally invasive approach. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, was the first Michigan hospital to routinely utilize the daVinci(r) system for complex thoracic and cardiac surgery. Our surgeons also use the daVinci(r) system for OB/GYN and urological procedures.

Expertise that Keeps Pace with Technology

With the arrival of these powerful technologies, SJMHS has added expert surgeons, specially trained in minimally invasive thoracic oncology and aggressive treatment of cancer and related reconstructive procedures. Their skills include:

• Thoracoscopic surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Robotic-assisted surgery

Since SJMHS expanded this surgical expertise, overall surgical volume has increased by 45%.