"Fewer Nurse Calls" Minimally Invasive Surgery Transforms the Medical Field: Saiseikai Yokohama-shi Tobu Hospital Reaches 643 Robotic-Assisted Surgeries with "da Vinci" Annually

Saiseikai Yokohama-shi Tobu Hospital (Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Hospital Director: Takahiko Misumi; hereinafter referred to as "our hospital") announced that the number of surgeries performed using the surgical assistance robot "da Vinci" (Intuitive Surgical G.K.) reached 643 cases in 2025, an increase of 146 cases from the previous year. The total number of robotic surgeries since their introduction in 2012 amounts to 3,321 cases (as of the end of March 2026). The widespread adoption of minimally invasive surgery is expected to not only reduce the burden on patients but also alleviate the workload and improve efficiency in the medical field. This release includes commentary from our hospital's Robotic Surgery Center Director, as well as an invitation for a hands-on experience session for journalists.

■ Commentary by Masaru Ishida, Director of Robotic Surgery Center

In surgeries using the surgical assistance robot "da Vinci," surgeons sit at a console, viewing the affected area in 3D. Instruments inserted through the incision precisely replicate the surgeon's hand movements. Because it is performed through small incisions, it tends to result in less bleeding and pain compared to conventional surgery, and patients recover faster post-operatively.

Dr. Masaru Ishida, Director of the Robotic Surgery Center, explains the characteristics of robotic surgery and the background of its increase, such as improved minimally invasiveness that reduces patient burden and increased medical efficiency.

Masaru Ishida
[Position] Director of Robotic Surgery Center, Director of Renal and Urological Center / Head of Urology Department, Director of Prostate Treatment Center
[Education] Graduated from Keio University in 2002, Ph.D. (Medicine), 2nd degree Master in Surgical Andrology, University of Torino

Minimally Invasive Surgery with "A Single Incision"

--- Why does robotic surgery continue to increase?

There are three main reasons. One is that it allows for precise surgery with less burden on the patient's body. Another is that our hospital has a system where multiple departments actively perform robotic surgery. And finally, medical professionals are accustomed to robotic surgery due to its proven track record. I believe these factors combine to increase the number of cases.

--- First, please tell us about the benefits for patients.

It reduces the burden on the body. Especially with the single-port da Vinci SP, the incision (wound) is minimized to just one spot, which is expected to reduce pain and promote early post-operative recovery. It can be said that the options for minimally invasive surgery for patients are expanding.

Furthermore, in the case of elderly patients, a decrease in physical strength due to surgery and delayed recovery due to this decrease in physical strength become problems. However, with surgery that places less burden on the body, post-operative recovery tends to be relatively stable.

Regarding hospitalization period, with minimally invasive surgeries like da Vinci SP, there is a possibility of even earlier discharge. In some cases, patients can be discharged 1 to 3 days after surgery.

Efficient In-Hospital Operation of Robots Capable of Precise Surgery

--- Why does the ability to perform precise surgery lead to an increase?

Because surgeons can perform operations exactly as they envision. The robot's forceps move like a human wrist, offering greater freedom and allowing for finer movements than conventional laparoscopic surgery. While laparoscopic surgery has limitations in instrument movement, robots largely overcome this.

As a surgeon, I feel that I can perform more stable operations. The ease of operation also means that more precise surgery can be performed, which I believe leads to an improvement in the quality and safety of surgery.

da Vinci Xi operating console

--- What are the characteristics of the operational system for robotic surgery?

At our hospital, the Robotic Surgery Center coordinates robotic surgeries performed by four departments: Urology, General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Instead of each department operating individually, the center acts as a coordinator to perform surgeries efficiently.

Currently, we operate three robots (one SP, two Xi), adjusting surgical slots among departments. This system allows multiple departments to consistently perform robotic surgeries.

Regarding the number of cases, for example, we perform approximately 100 prostate cancer surgeries, 50 gastric cancer surgeries, 70 lung cancer surgeries, and 80 total hysterectomies for benign uterine diseases annually. The increase in the total number of cases for the hospital is due to the accumulation of cases in each department, rather than being biased towards a specific department.

--- Are there any risks associated with robotic surgery?

Basically, we consider it to be the same as conventional surgery. Under the same conditions, robots can perform surgery more stably. However, we must not over-rely on robots. It is important to carefully assess the applicability for each case before performing surgery.

When people hear "robotic surgery," they might imagine machines performing surgery automatically, but in reality, doctors operate the machines to perform surgery. It is not something done solely by doctors.