Advanced, minimally invasive robotic surgery is now more accessible than ever in Northern New York, thanks to Samaritan Medical Center’s million dollar investment into a second da Vinci® robotic Surgical System.
For several years, surgeons at Samaritan Medical Center have provided robot-assisted surgical procedures, bringing innovative, highly precise care closer to home. Thousands of local patients have benefited, typically experiencing shorter recovery times, quicker returns to everyday life and less post-op discomfort and pain.
Now with the addition of a second da Vinci Surgical System, Samaritan can serve even more patients, performing more robotic surgeries while expanding availability beyond scheduled elective procedures.
Patients in urgent or emergency situations can now receive robotic surgical care when they need it most. This technology investment will ensure more people have access to advanced emergency treatment without leaving their community.
Samaritan has Northern New York State’s largest robotic surgery program and the largest team of trained surgeons in the region.
In robotic surgery, the doctor is in complete control of every step in the process. Surgeons operate from a nearby computer console, and the robotic system serves as an extension of their hands. It provides a high-definition, magnified 3D view of the surgical site, and it’s equipped with high-tech instruments that move with extreme precision.

For Dr. Lynsey Daniels, general surgeon, the da Vinci Surgical System—one of the most advanced robotic surgical systems in the world—has enhanced the way she performs surgery every day.
“Operating on the da Vinci Surgical System gives me greater precision, dexterity and visualization than many traditional approaches,” said Dr. Daniels. “The robotic instruments allow me to operate in tight spaces with exceptional control while minimizing the size of the incisions. Although it’s called robotic surgery, the robot never acts on its own. Every movement is directed by me, allowing me to combine my surgical expertise with advanced technology to provide the best possible outcomes for my patients.”
How robotic surgery works
During robotic surgery, small instruments are inserted through tiny incisions. A high-definition camera provides a detailed view of the surgical area. The system’s enhanced visualization and precision are especially valuable when operating in narrow spaces. This allows surgeons to perform complex procedures while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, patients often experience:
- Smaller incisions
- Less blood loss
- Reduced pain and need for narcotic medications
- Less time under anesthesia
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster healing and recovery
Robotic-assisted surgery is used for a wide range of procedures at Samaritan, including general surgery, gynecologic, and urologic surgeries, across both planned elective operations and select emergency surgeries.
Growing access to advanced surgical care
Samaritan’s robotic surgery program has continued to expand to meet growing patient demand. In 2025, surgeons at Samaritan Medical Center performed 711 robotic-assisted procedures, an average of approximately 175 surgeries every three months, or 13 to 14 procedures every week.
The program’s success led to the hospital’s investment in a second da Vinci Surgical System. With two robotic systems now available, surgeons can perform more procedures throughout every week, reducing scheduling delays and expanding access to advanced care for patients across the region.
Advanced technology serving a rural community
Access to advanced medical technology can look very different depending on where someone lives. By offering robotic surgery locally, Samaritan is helping patients throughout Northern New York receive specialized surgical care without having to travel to larger cities.
For many patients, receiving care close to home means less time away from work and family, easier access to follow-up appointments, and the comfort of recovering in their own community. It’s more than new technology; it will help countless patients experience a faster, shorter road to getting back to their everyday lives.
To learn more about the da Vinci® Surgical System at Samaritan Medical Center please visit: https://samaritanhealth.com/service/surgical-care/robotic-surgery/

