The Future of Surgery is at Southcoast Health
At Southcoast Health, we are proud to offer the latest advancements in technology to improve the safety and surgical outcomes for all of our patients. Since 2008, we have performed thousands of procedures with the use of robotic-assisted surgery technology.
Robot-assisted surgery allows physicians to perform many different types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than what is normally possible with conventional surgical techniques.
For patients, robotic surgery can offer several potential benefits over conventional open surgery, including:
- Less blood loss
- Less risk of infection
- Less scarring
- Shorter hospital stays
- Shorter recovery time
Robotic Surgery with a Personal Touch
After attending a robotic surgery seminar hosted by Dr. Joseph Lifrak, David Kent, made an appointment with Southcoast Health orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher Skeehan. Although David had severe knee pain, the more pressing problem was that he needed both hips replaced before he could have his knees done.


Butch developed abdominal pain that led him to the Emergency Department at St. Luke’s Hospital. His care team confirmed that his gallbladder needed to be removed, but also discovered a questionable spot on his kidney that needed to be assessed right away. He was referred to Dr. Dennis Larock, Physician in Chief of Surgical Services, Chief of Robotic Surgery, and Co-Chief of Urology at Southcoast Health.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery Technology at Southcoast Health
da Vinci® Surgical System
Greater Precision with Smaller Incisions
Robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci® surgical system can result in:
- Reduced risk of complications
- Less scarring
- Quicker recovery time
- Favorable surgical outcomes
Available for gynecology, urology, thoracic, and general surgery procedures.

Mako™ Robotic-Arm
Assisted Technology
A New Solution for Joint Pain
Knee and hip replacement procedures completed with Mako™ robotic-arm assisted technology can result in:
- Reduced risk of complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Favorable surgical outcomes
Available for partial and total knee and hip replacements.

7D Surgical System
A Clear Vision for Back Surgery
7D surgical technology is like a GPS system for back surgery and can result in:
- Improved patient safety
- Radiation-free procedures
- Decreased surgical time
- Reduced recovery time
Available for back surgery procedures.

How Robotic-Assisted Surgery Works
With the da Vinci® surgical system, the surgeon sits at a control console in the same operating room as the patient. The console translates the surgeon’s hand movements at the console in real time, bending and rotating the instruments while performing the procedure.


The Mako system guides the surgeon within a pre-defined area and helps prevent the surgeon from moving outside the planned boundaries. The Mako system doesn’t actually perform the surgery, it simply helps surgeons perform the procedure with greater accuracy and with a minimally invasive method.


7D surgical technology for spinal procedures guides surgeons with a highly detailed 3D image taken in just four seconds. Similar to what GPS has done for geographic navigation, 7D is like a GPS system for back surgery. The system allows surgeons to perform fast, efficient, and radiation-free spine surgery.

