St. Mary Gets New Robot-Surgery System

LANGHORNE, PA — St. Mary Medical Center has expanded its robotics program, adding a second, state-of-the-art surgical robot.

The hospital in Langhorne recently acquired the Da Vinci Xi surgical system. It features three-dimensional, high-definition visuals and provides enhanced dexterity and greater precision and control for surgeons, according to the hospital.

Robot-assisted surgery is minimally invasive and, as such, can reduce a patient's time at the hospital, officials said.

"This is a significant investment for both our hospital and community," said Dr. Larry Brilliant, president of St. Mary Medical Center. "By acquiring a second, more advanced surgical robot with the Da Vinci Xi system, we've greatly expanded our surgical services for minimally-invasive procedures.

"In the last year, we've also added five highly trained and very experienced robotic surgeons to our team. This means Bucks County residents now have even greater access to the most advanced life-saving procedures."

Adding a second robot expands St. Mary's ability to perform advanced surgeries across multiple specialties, including treatments for hernias, colorectal conditions like polyps, tumors and malignancies.

Dr. Justin Harmon is one of two doctors who performed St. Mary's first two procedures using the new robotic system — a partial nephrectomy and ventral hernia repair.

"The da Vinci Xi robot is one of the most advanced tools available for our patients," Harmon said. "We are performing very complex surgical procedures with ease, getting patients back to their normal lives faster than ever before. It is an honor to support our robotic surgeons and I look forward to the continued expansion of our robotic program."

Harmon serves as medical director of the hospital's robotic surgery program, helping lead a growing team of surgeons who have completed specialized training and education to perform robotic surgeries.

More than 1,200 robot-assisted surgeries for urological conditions have been performed since the program was launched in 2009.

Doctors trained in robot surgery at St. Mary include:

• Jessica Barton, DO, general surgeon
• Esther Cha, MD, board-certified general surgeon specializing in colorectal surgery
• Alfred Trang, MD, board-certified general surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery
• Justin Harmon, DO, board-certified urologist
• Nicole Haslett, DO, obstetrician and gynecologist
• Jessica Hirsch, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist
• Jamison Jaffe, DO, board-certified urologist
• Christopher Kowalski, MD, board-certified general surgeon
• Mark LiBassi, MD, board-certified general surgeon
• David Okolica, MD, board-certified general surgeon
• Charlotte Marcus, MD, board-certified OB/GYN and gynecologic oncology specialist
• Paul Minkovich, DO, board-certified general surgeon
• Stephanie Molden, MD, board-certified OB/GYN
• Patricia Zahner, MD, urologist

Take a look at the full, uncropped photo of the robotic system below.

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