Incheon Sejong Hospital’s Da Vinci SP Robotic Hernia Surgeries Garner Attention… with Patient Satisfaction↑

Incheon Sejong Hospital (Director Oh Byeong-hee) has been drawing attention for its hernia and other surgeries performed using the Da Vinci SP robotic system, which has significantly increased patient satisfaction.

According to Incheon Sejong Hospital, Surgical Director Lee Sang-myeong (General Surgery) has been actively conducting hernia, appendectomy, and cholecystectomy surgeries using the Da Vinci SP robotic system.

Director Lee Sang-myeong, a leading authority with over 20 years of experience in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, achieved a milestone in 2023 by successfully performing the first robot-assisted extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) in Incheon.

The extraperitoneal approach (TEP) involves inserting a laparoscope between the peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall, rather than into the abdominal cavity, and advancing by creating a surgical plane with gas insufflation to access the hernia site.

This method avoids any potential damage to the abdominal cavity, but due to the limited surgical space, it demands a high level of expertise from the surgeon.

Here, the Da Vinci SP equipment has proven instrumental, enhancing precision and reducing operation time compared to traditional laparoscopic techniques.

Director Lee Sang-myeong presented this advanced surgical method at the ‘2024 The Korean Laparoscopic Surgeons’ Association of Community Hospitals (KLSAC, President Jeong Seung-gyu) Comprehensive Academic Conference,’ held last month, where it garnered significant interest from medical professionals.

In October 2023, Fumitoshi Mizutani, a surgical specialist from Nagoya Ekisaikai Hospital in Japan, visited Incheon Sejong Hospital to observe and learn Director Lee’s Da Vinci SP robotic hernia surgery techniques.

Robotic surgeries using the Da Vinci system are already a global trend, with some procedures covered under health insurance in Japan.

In South Korea, robotic surgery has also gained traction since its introduction in 2005, surpassing 50,000 procedures as of last year and keeping pace with global trends.

Incheon Sejong Hospital, which launched its robotic surgery center in 2023, has adopted the latest Da Vinci SP robotic equipment capable of performing minimally invasive single-port surgeries.

The Da Vinci SP is the most advanced model among the fourth-generation systems and is currently installed in only about 20 hospitals and clinics nationwide.

Unlike earlier models that required 3–4 incisions, the Da Vinci SP allows surgeries to be performed through a single incision, promoting faster recovery, reducing the number of visible scars, and improving cosmetic outcomes for patients.

Lee Sang-myeong, Director of Surgery (General Surgery) at Incheon Sejong Hospital, stated, “After performing countless laparoscopic surgeries over several decades, I have honed my skills. Adding the advantages of the latest Da Vinci SP robotic system has created significant synergy.” He further explained, “The Da Vinci SP offers excellent flexibility in controlling the robotic arms and camera, providing a clear view of the surgical site. It allows surgeons to check blind spots, enabling more precise and accurate procedures.”

He emphasized, “Above all, the Da Vinci SP significantly enhances the surgeon’s comfort during operations, which ultimately improves precision and leads to better surgical outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction.”