Baptist Health Paducah expands robotic surgery capabilities with da Vinci 5 Surgical System
PADUCAH, KY (Nov. 13, 2025) — Baptist Health Paducah has a long history of bringing advanced surgical technology to the region. On Tuesday, the hospital became the first in the region to introduce the da Vinci 5®, the newest generation of this technology from Intuitive. The surgical system is designed to enhance precision and improve patient outcomes. To meet the growing demand, the hospital purchased two of the new da Vinci 5® systems.
Michael Knox, MD, Urologist and Director of Robotic Surgery at Baptist Health Paducah performed the first procedure on the da Vinci 5® system. “It’s a tremendous honor to be the first to use this new technology,” said Dr. Knox. “The da Vinci 5® represents a significant step forward in robotic-assisted surgery. The new force feedback technology and enhanced visualization help surgeons identify key anatomical structures more clearly and perform procedures more efficiently. It’s an honor to be the first in the region to bring this level of innovation to our patients.”
Da Vinci 5® is Intuitive’s most advanced and integrated platform that is designed to transform surgery to enable better outcomes, efficiency, and actionable insights. Baptist Health Paducah, recognized as the region's only Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS), continues to advance minimally invasive care with this next-generation technology.
Specialties utilizing the new system include urology, general surgery, cardiothoracic, and gynecology. Procedures performed will include gallbladder, appendix, small/large bowel resections, hernia, prostate, kidney, single vessel mid-CABG, lobectomy/wedge resection, hiatal hernia, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and salpingo-oophorectomy.
The da Vinci 5® includes more than 150 new design improvements that build on what surgeons already trust about the da Vinci system. During surgery, the surgeon is always in control. The new system will allow the surgeons better flexibility with wrist-like instruments, a clear 3DHD visualization, and smooth, natural movement. The system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body.
General surgeon Kristen Williams, MD, echoed Dr. Knox’s excitement about Tuesday’s launch. “The da Vinci 5® surgical system will improve the precision and safety of minimally invasive surgery for our patients,“ said Dr. Williams. “For the first time, surgeons can actually feel the amount of pressure being applied to tissue, which helps protect delicate areas and reduce the risk of damage during surgery. The system also streamlines procedures, allowing for shorter operating times and less time under anesthesia.”
For more information on minimally invasive surgical options at Baptist Health Paducah, visit Surgical Services - Baptist Health.