Osaka International Cancer Institute Introduces "da Vinci SP", a Surgical Robot that Reduces Patient Burden

The Osaka International Cancer Institute, part of the Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization (Location: Chuo-ku, Osaka City; Director General: Nariaki Matsuura), announced the introduction of the "da Vinci SP," a new surgical support robotic system that imposes less physical burden on patients than previous models.

[Key Points]
* With the introduction of the da Vinci SP, the institute expands to a 4-unit da Vinci system.
* Including the "hinotori surgical robot system" used in clinical research, the total reaches a 5-unit system.
* This introduction aims for an operational scale of 1,000 robotic surgeries annually.
* A media experience event for the da Vinci system was held.

[Background of Robotic Surgery]
Surgery remains central to cancer treatment, but efforts have advanced to minimize surgery-induced pain and patient burden (minimally invasive surgery). Advances in mechanical engineering have led to the development of surgical devices suited for this purpose, known as "robots" due to their four arms. While conventional surgery involves a large incision for direct visualization and manual removal of lesions, "robotic" surgery utilizes four small incisions (about 1 cm each) to insert four arms along with lighting and surgical instruments. Surgeons operate these while observing inside the body through a monitor. This provides a magnified view compared to the naked eye, allowing clear visibility even in narrow spaces, making the field of vision superior to actual eyesight. The instruments can grasp and cut just like human hands, but without any "hand tremors," enabling highly delicate operations. Consequently, highly precise surgeries are performed, resulting in less bleeding, shorter operating times, and ultimately a lighter burden on the patient for a faster recovery. Because the scars are limited to four 1 cm holes, pain is mild and becomes unnoticeable over time.

It has been proven that while patient burden decreases, fine surgery becomes possible, reducing postoperative troubles (complications) and shortening hospital stays. Furthermore, recent data shows improved cancer treatment outcomes, leading to an increased proportion of surgeries being performed on the abdomen and chest. The Osaka International Cancer Institute had previously installed four robots, but due to the increasing number of patients requesting robotic surgery leading to a shortage, a new robot was introduced.

[Introduction of the New Robot: da Vinci SP]
The previously used robots (da Vinci Xi) required four incisions for their four arms. The newly developed da Vinci SP, which can perform surgery by inserting its arm through a single incision, was therefore introduced by the institute. With only one incision, pain is even further reduced and scars are barely noticeable. Unlike the previous model where the four arms could occasionally collide and be difficult to maneuver, this single-arm model eliminates that issue. It can enter extremely narrow spaces, facilitating easier surgery. It also allows for throat and breast surgeries, which were difficult with the conventional da Vinci Xi.

By using it in combination with the existing da Vinci Xi, the hospital will appropriately utilize each machine according to the patient's condition and the location/type of lesion, striving to improve the quality of medical care.

[Future Developments]
Moving forward, the new robot will be utilized primarily in colorectal surgery, breast surgery, head and neck surgery (otorhinolaryngology), respiratory surgery, and gynecology, where its strengths can be demonstrated. Since it can operate in areas previously difficult for robotic surgery, patients will have more options. In particular, few hospitals can perform surgeries using the da Vinci SP in head and neck surgery, respiratory surgery, and gynecology (malignant tumors), allowing the institute to meet the hopes of patients in need.

With this introduction, the institute anticipates conducting robotic surgeries on a scale of 1,000 cases per year.

[Comments from Stakeholders]
Yoshinori Kagawa, Vice Director of Digestive Surgery / Head of Colorectal Surgery / Head of Rectal Cancer Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute
"Surgical procedures have shifted significantly from 'how large to cut' to 'how precisely to cure.' The Osaka International Cancer Institute began robotic surgeries in 2013, and in May 2026, we achieved a cumulative total of 5,000 da Vinci surgeries. The introduction of the da Vinci SP is a new step opening the next door to minimally invasive surgery. We aim to balance curing cancer thoroughly with protecting the patient's life after treatment as much as possible, delivering more precise and body-friendly surgeries to many patients."

[Institute's Record of da Vinci Surgeries]
* 2026 figures are estimated. The actual count for 2026 is 297 cases (as of May 11).

Photo 1: The delivered da Vinci SP
Photo 2: da Vinci SP (Patient Cart Unit)
Photo 3: Instrument tip

[Contact Information for Media Inquiries]
TEL: 06-6945-1181
Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, Osaka International Cancer Institute
Secretariat, Management Reform Group
Reception hours: Weekdays 9:00 - 17:30