Doylestown Health has added a third surgical robot and upgrades to serve more patients who can benefit from less invasive procedures, according to Brian Pellini, MD.
Dr. Pellini is an experienced general surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. He is the medical director of Minimally Invasive Surgery and chair of the Robotics Committee at Doylestown Health.
"Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery helps surgeons perform complex operations through small incisions, resulting in less bleeding, scarring, and pain for patients, less time in the hospital, and a quicker recovery," he explains. Less pain also means less pain medication, an important benefit given the current opioid addiction epidemic.
The Hub
“In addition to a new Intuitive da Vinci® Xi robot, we have introduced the Intuitive Hub, a modern digital platform designed to enhance education, quality, safety, and efficiency,” says Dr. Pellini.
Teamwork plays a vital role when it comes to providing the most thorough, personalized care. “The Hub’s teleconferencing feature lets our surgeons collaborate in real-time during robotic-assisted procedures by sharing a secure link so another specialist can view and discuss the case from anywhere in the country,” he says.
Robotic Revolution
Early Adopter of Robotics
“In 2008, we acquired our first Intuitive da Vinci System,” says Dr. Pellini. “We were the first in Bucks County to offer robotic surgery, and we added a second robot in 2019.”
Advanced Robotics, Close to Home
“Today, our surgeons are among the most prolific users of da Vinci robotic systems in the region,” says Staci Berman, director of Perioperative Services.
More surgeons at Doylestown Health are performing robotic-assisted surgery than ever before, a trend that Dr. Pellini believes will continue. "All new surgeons today train in robotic-assisted surgery, traditional laparoscopic methods, and open procedures," he says.
“Over the past three years, we have seen immense growth in our program which, along with newly hired surgeons who are robotically trained, led to the demand for the expansion of our robotic fleet,” says Berman. “We have a highly experienced robotics team that includes specialty-trained nurses and techs who assist surgeons in performing these procedures,” she adds, noting that the health system’s modern surgical suite features operating rooms specifically designed for robotic-assisted procedures.
The overall number of robotic-assisted surgeries at Doylestown Health has grown dramatically in recent years, from 688 in 2021 to almost 950 in 2023.
Doylestown Health offers robotic-assisted surgeries in the following areas:
- Cardiothoracic (Heart, lung)
- Colorectal Surgery
- General Surgery
- Gynecology, Urogynecology, and Gynecologic Oncology
- Urology
How Does Robotic-Assisted Surgery Work?
“With traditional minimally-invasive procedures (laparoscopy), the surgeon operates straight, rod-like instruments using a tiny camera and small incisions,” says Dr. Pellini, noting that the surgeon stands at the patient’s bedside while looking up at a nearby screen.
Robotic-assisted procedures also use small incisions, but the robotic system offers better 3-D visuals and greater flexibility, according to Dr. Pellini. With a robotic-assisted system, a separate machine holds the instruments and cameras while your surgeon sits nearby at a console specifically designed to enhance performance and comfort.
“We use highly sensitive hand controls that move the robotic arms and instruments. The technology enhances flexibility and stability, so surgeons can manipulate tissue and place stitches in tight spaces with precision,” says Dr. Pellini, noting that the surgeon is fully controlling the instruments during every part of the procedure.
Is Robotic Surgery a Suitable Option for Me?
Your surgeon will talk with you and make a recommendation uniquely tailored to your health condition and anatomy. Sometimes, an open procedure might still be your best option, according to Dr. Pellini.
Robotics to Detect Lung Cancer Earlier
Advanced technology also provides a safe and effective option for early detection and treatment of lung cancer. The hospital recently introduced the Ion Endoluminal System, a robotic-assisted platform for minimally invasive biopsy in the lung, , which allows our physicians to locate, biopsy, and mark nodules for surgical resection in one procedure with greater accuracy.
Learn more
Read more about Robotic Surgery at Doylestown Health.
Meet our Team
Whether you're considering robotic surgery or want to learn more, we're here to help. Meet our Robotic-Assisted Surgery Team.
About Doylestown Health
Doylestown Health is a comprehensive healthcare system of inpatient, outpatient, and wellness education services connected to meet the health needs of the local and regional community. The flagship of Doylestown Health is Doylestown Hospital, a not-for-profit, community teaching hospital with 242 beds and a medical staff of more than 600 providers who deliver the highest quality care in over 50 specialties. Renowned locally, regionally, and nationally, Doylestown Hospital provides superior healthcare and offers advanced surgical procedures, innovative medical treatments, and comprehensive specialty services. Now in its 100th year of service in central Bucks County, Doylestown Hospital is proud to educate and train the next generation of physicians through its family medicine residency program. Consistently ranked among the best hospitals in Pennsylvania and distinguished in both infection prevention and patient experience, Doylestown Hospital is the only hospital in Pennsylvania to achieve 17 consecutive ‘A’ grades for patient safety from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Learn more at doylestownhealth.org.
