PHILADELPHIA (June 16, 2025) — Physicians at Fox Chase Cancer Center have now performed 10,000 surgeries using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which has been essential in expanding access to the latest treatment options for cancer patients across multiple cancer specialties.
“The da Vinci system has been transformative in the surgical space at Fox Chase,” said Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, Chair of the Department of Surgery at Fox Chase. “Reaching 10,000 surgeries shows just how versatile this technology is and how robotic surgery is opening the door for so many more cancer patients to experience better outcomes and minimally invasive surgical procedures.”
The groundbreaking system is currently used at Fox Chase to perform a wide variety of surgeries, including some of the most complex. The 10,000 surgeries performed with the da Vinci system have included cases across the cancer spectrum, including urologic, gynecologic, colorectal, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, lung, and complex head and neck surgeries.
“The majority of our colon and rectal surgeries are now done robotically, as well as gastrectomies for stomach cancer, complex liver and pancreas surgery, esophagectomies, lung resections, and many gynecologic surgeries,” said Farma.
The versatility of robotic surgery has allowed Fox Chase faculty to perform complicated cancer operations with smaller incisions. According to studies examining the impact of robotic surgery, the introduction of da Vinci in 2000 revolutionized minimally invasive surgery by improving visualization and precision. With more reliable control, surgeons were able to effectively perform surgery while also sparing nearby nerves and tissue. With robotic surgery, most patients have quicker recovery times, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays compared to conventional open surgery.
The system offers computer and robotic assistance as well as a magnified view and high-definition 3D views. Additionally, wristed instruments, which reproduce the movement of the surgeon’s hands, and high-definition cameras are ergonomically designed to assist surgeons with precise dissection and reconstruction within the body.
“With the use of this technology, surgeons have improved visualization and can expand minimally invasive options for cancer patients. It gives us more dexterity, so we can sew inside the body, and it has allowed us to push the limits of doing complicated surgery with smaller incisions,” said Farma.
Fox Chase and Temple Health surgeons are national leaders in robotic-assisted surgery. Fox Chase has also incorporated experience with robotic surgery into its various training programs to prepare the next generation of surgeons.
The Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship exposes fellows to robotic surgery education through a rigorous curriculum of simulator training and hands-on lab experiences for gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgery. Other programs like the Advanced Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgical Oncology Fellowship, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, Urologic Oncology Fellowship, and the Reconstructive and Prosthetic Urology Fellowship also offer trainees valuable experience in robotic surgery.
“We have really been on the forefront of being able to do a vast majority of oncologic cases for all specialties using this robotic technique. Our extensive experience with these surgeries has positioned us as leaders in this field. It will be exciting to see how robotic surgery continues to change the landscape of treatment for cancer patients,” said Farma.