UF Health Leesburg Hospital acquires new da Vinci Xi Surgical System

UF Health Central Florida, the region’s largest and most comprehensive health care provider, has added a second da Vinci Xi Surgical System — this one to provide advanced robotic-assisted procedures at the UF Health Leesburg Hospital campus.

In 2014, UF Health The Villages^® Hospital performed the area’s first robotic-assisted procedure on its da Vinci system, which has given the hospital’s surgeons far greater minimally invasive surgery options. The new system arrived at UF Health Leesburg Hospital in early July and will be used for a variety of complex procedures, including nephrectomy, prostatectomy, hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia repair, bowel surgery and more.

On July 5, Venkata K. Marella, M.D., a board-certified urologist, performed the first robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer at UF Health Leesburg Hospital.

“I have been performing these surgeries for 11 years and I was beyond impressed with the operating room team at UF Health Leesburg Hospital following our successful first case,” Marella said.

The system’s advanced robotic computer and optical technologies allow surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions. Benefits to patients typically include a faster recovery, minimal scarring and pain, decreased blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to daily activities.

“Placing the most current technologies in the hands of the incredibly talented and experienced surgeons we have at UF Health Leesburg Hospital — such as Dr. Marella — means we can offer patients the very best combination of skill and innovation,” said Heather Long, UF Health Central Florida chief executive officer. “We are proud to add this capability to our expanding list of advanced minimally invasive services.”