Cook County Health Takes Health Equity to the Next Level with Robotic Surgery Program Launch

Cook County Health has launched its Robotic Surgery Program at Stroger Hospital, where a robot could soon operate on patients in need of surgery. The program aims to provide all patients with the best possible medical care, regardless of age, race, wealth or status.

Board members and health officials gathered for the big reveal, highlighting the benefits of robotic surgery in terms of being less invasive and performed through small incisions. The goal is to reduce blood loss, pain, scarring, and complications while shortening recovery time. Dr. Alexander Sauper, Chair of Surgical Critical Care explained that the robotic system gives surgeons a high-definition view of the surgical field and allows for smaller, more precise cuts.

The da Vinci® surgical system will be used for various types of surgeries at Stroger Hospital, including general cardiothoracic colorectal head & neck gynecological urologic procedures. Cook County Health aims to demonstrate its commitment to health equity and advancement through the implementation of robotic surgery technology to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care. Over 10,000 surgeries were performed at Stroger Hospital last year and the program is expected to expand even further in 2024.