General
October 2, 2025
Source: PERS
St. Luke’s Medical Center Surpasses 2,500 Robotic Surgeries
MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) officially celebrated a historic healthcare milestone on October 2, 2025, announcing the successful completion of over 2,500 robotic-assisted surgeries. This achievement, the highest in the country, was formally certified by Device Technologies (DTG Medical Inc.), solidifying SLMC’s position as the pioneer and leader of robotic surgery in the Philippines.
A Legacy of "Firsts"
The milestone event, held at the Isla Grand Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La, honored the surgeons and patients who have been part of the program's 15-year journey. Since acquiring the country’s first da Vinci Si robot in 2010, SLMC has consistently introduced groundbreaking procedures:
- 2011: The nation's first robotic-assisted thyroidectomy.
- 2023: Southeast Asia’s first robotic-assisted kidney transplant.
- 2024: The first robotic cardiac surgery procedure in Southeast Asia.
- 2024: Introduction of the da Vinci Xi, the world's most advanced robotic surgical platform, at both Global City and Quezon City locations.
Transforming Patient Outcomes
Dr. Dennis Serrano, President and CEO of SLMC, emphasized that the 2,500-case milestone represents more than just a number—it represents lives transformed through minimally invasive technology.
Compared to traditional open surgery, patients undergoing robotic-assisted procedures at St. Luke's benefit from:
- Enhanced Precision: 3D high-definition visualization and greater dexterity for surgeons.
- Faster Recovery: Hospital stays reduced from an average of 4–5 days to just 24–48 hours.
- Reduced Trauma: Smaller incisions, less blood loss, and minimal scarring.
Looking Ahead
As SLMC continues to push the boundaries of surgical excellence, the institution has committed to making this technology more accessible. Dr. Serrano noted that the hospital aims to augment the training of healthcare professionals, including those from public hospitals, to ensure that world-class surgical care remains a reality for more Filipinos.
Da Vinci RobotRobotic Surgery
