By Craig Baize and Liz Madison, Vitals contributors  

Robotic-assisted surgery was a modern medicine game-changer. But access was initially limited to larger cities. California-based Sutter Health remains ahead of the curve, embracing the latest robotic surgery enhancements and bringing more and better options to more communities than ever before.

Administrators and clinical team members cut a ceremonial ribbon for the new da Vinci 5 surgical robot at Sutter’s Mills-Peninsula Medical Center.

Sutter Health was one of the first in California to implement the latest da Vinci 5 surgical robot. Surgical teams stretching from Santa Barbara to Sacramento have now been trained on and have access to the state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgical system.

The system represents a groundbreaking advancement in minimally invasive surgery. It features more than 150 design improvements for enhanced precision, better instrument handling and advanced 3D HD visualization. This technology supports procedures in general surgery, gynecology, urology, as well as those inside the chest. Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to help reduce recovery times, minimize scarring and improve patient outcomes with sustained benefits.

Surgery staff and administrators from Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento with da Vinci 5 surgical systems.

“You can get the best care in your neighborhood no matter where you are in California,” said Dr. Michael Beneke, medical director of robotic surgery at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento who also serves as a physician champion for the robotic surgery advisory group at Sutter Health. “Sutter’s robust system-level and local-level robotic surgery programs have been crafted to help ensure the highest quality and most efficient care possible for our communities. The collaboration between surgeons, the robust communications amongst team members and programs, and the sharing of detailed analyses supports high-quality outcomes.”

Building on a Legacy of Innovation

Surgical team members from Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center of Santa Cruz pose with their da Vinci 5 surgical robot.

The addition of the da Vinci 5 complements Sutter’s existing capabilities, including the widely used da Vinci Xi systems at several locations. By continually enhancing the technology and expanding access to advanced tools, Sutter equips its surgical teams to handle complex cases while providing the highest standard of care and safety.

Surgical teams from Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center surround the da Vinci 5 surgical system.

“While technology is integral to healthcare advancements, using it should never be about technology for technology’s sake,” said Dr. Steve Hao, Sutter Health’s chief medical officer of service lines. “For us, it’s about helping our people better serve the people who’ve entrusted us with their care. It’s about improving the surgical experience for patients and empowering our teams to achieve even better outcomes with every procedure.”

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital teammates stand alongside their da Vinci 5 surgical robot.

Philanthropy: Helping Improve Access 

The generosity of Sutter Health’s philanthropic partners have contributed to these innovations. Over the past decade, individuals and families across Sutter’s footprint have given more than $11 million – gifts that have not just brought cutting-edge surgical tools to local hospitals, but also brought hope, healing and greater access to people in their own communities.

“Philanthropy is what transforms possibility into reality,” said Raya Elias-Petros, chief philanthropy officer at Sutter Health. “Because of the generosity of our donors, patients across California can receive some of the most advanced surgical care available – right in their own communities. Their belief in what’s possible is helping us reimagine the future of healthcare.”