Mercy Hospital Surpasses 3,000 Robotic Surgeries

Catholic Health's Mercy Hospital has reached a significant milestone in its robotic surgery program, surpassing 3,000 robotic-assisted surgical procedures and reinforcing its position as a regional leader in minimally invasive surgery.

Hospital leaders, physicians and staff recently gathered to celebrate the milestone, recognizing the multidisciplinary teams whose expertise and collaboration have helped transform Mercy’s robotic surgery program into one of Long Island's leading centers for minimally invasive surgery. The 3,000th robotic procedure was a bariatric case performed by surgeon Dr. Robert Felte. This milestone represents another patient who benefited from the precision of robotic-assisted surgery, which offers smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

Since launching robotic-assisted surgery in 2021, Mercy has steadily expanded its program to meet the growing demand for minimally invasive surgical care. Today, the hospital's four da Vinci robotic systems support procedures across eight surgical specialties and are utilized by more than 20 board-certified, robotically trained surgeons. Robotic-assisted surgery is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing patients access to advanced surgical care whenever it is needed.

"This milestone represents much more than 3,000 robotic procedures," said Joseph Manopella, president of Mercy Hospital. "It reflects years of thoughtful investment, exceptional teamwork and our commitment to bringing leading-edge surgical care to the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud of everyone who has helped build this program, and we remain committed to expanding access to advanced surgical care for Long Island."

Shan Ahmed, DO, chief medical officer at Mercy Hospital, said the milestone represents the continued evolution of surgical care at Mercy.

"Reaching 3,000 robotic surgeries is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation and teamwork come together," said Dr. Ahmed. "While the technology enhances our ability to perform complex procedures with greater precision, it is the collaboration among surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, surgical technologists and support staff that makes this program successful."

Mercy's robotic surgery program includes procedures in general surgery, bariatrics, colorectal surgery, thoracic surgery, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, urology and urogynecology. As the program continues to grow, Mercy is on track to surpass 4,000 robotic-assisted surgeries in 2027, further expanding access to advanced, minimally invasive surgical care.

The 3,000-case milestone reflects Mercy’s continued investment in advanced technology, specialized care and exceptional patient outcomes. Recently, the hospital has earned national recognition for excellence, including an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and a CMS Five-Star Overall Hospital Quality Rating. 

"This milestone is an important achievement, but it is not our destination," Manopella said. "As health care continues to evolve, Mercy will continue investing in innovative technology, exceptional clinical staff and expanded services so patients can receive world-class care close to home."