HCA Aventura Hospital Robot Exhibition
- Jorge Herrera
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
By: Jorge Herrera
Leonardo Da Vinci was an Italian artist, scientist, and engineer who advanced the field of science during his time. Now, 500 years after his death, a new "Da Vinci" is paving the way in medical science. The Da Vinci surgical robot assists in both the procedure itself and post-operative stitching. The robot consists of three main components: the patient cart, where the patient lies during surgery; the console, where the surgeon controls the robot; and the vision cart, which provides a screen for the rest of the operating team to monitor the procedure. According to an interview with Intuitive Corp., the robot was designed to improve surgical safety and efficiency.
To better understand how the robot functions and whether it’s truly living up to its promise, the authors interviewed three doctors about their experiences—whether positive, negative, or neutral. Dr. Evander Meneses, a surgeon specializing in hernia, gallbladder, intestinal, and appendix procedures, uses the robot daily. He describes the system as “ergonomic” and says it gives him greater control during operations by allowing more precise wrist movement. He noted improved patient recovery outcomes and significantly shorter hospital stays. He also emphasized the robot’s ability to make shallower cuts and provide a zoomed-in view of critical areas, reducing the risk of accidental damage. In his practice—focused primarily on the torso—he says the robot has been invaluable.
Dr. Dan Donato, a gynecological and oncological surgeon, stated that the Da Vinci system has transformed patient comfort in the operating room. Before its introduction, patients often experienced greater blood loss and longer hospital stays, often exhausting their workplace sick days. The robot has dramatically reduced these issues. Dr. Donato, however, wasn’t always convinced. When the robot debuted in 2001, he was skeptical and believed manual surgery was superior. The steep learning curve made him hesitant, and he admitted to being nervous during his first 100 robotic surgeries. But since adopting the technology in 2008, he has had no regrets, citing improved patient comfort and a greater sense of safety during operations.
As for the financial aspect, Dr. Kahane, another frequent user of the Da Vinci robot, believes the $2.2 million price tag was well worth it. He says the precision and magnification capabilities make surgeries safer and more accurate.
Even non-surgical staff recognize its value. Carolyn Hunter, Chief Operating Officer of the hospital’s surgical branch, agrees the robot has enhanced efficiency and surgical quality—even though she doesn’t perform surgeries herself. The robot is now commonly used in general, gynecological, oncological, urological, and bariatric procedures, with consistently improved outcomes across the board. Furthermore, HCA Hospitals benefit from a special contract with Intuitive Corp., which reduces the cost of acquiring the machines.
The positive reception from medical professionals aligns with firsthand experience. After testing the system, the authors reported that the controls were smooth, intuitive, and even seemed to guide the user toward optimal movements. In conclusion, the Da Vinci robot represents a milestone in medical innovation. For those seeking safe surgery and a smooth recovery, HCA Aventura Hospital is a strong recommendation.