| Quick summary Artesia General Hospital now offers da Vinci 5 robotic surgery, the newest generation of robotic-assisted technology. Board-certified general surgeon Dr. Shyamal Pansuriya, DO, uses the system for minimally invasive procedures such as hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and colorectal surgery, so patients across southeastern New Mexico can get advanced surgical care close to home. |
Advanced surgery no longer means a long drive to a big-city hospital. Artesia General Hospital now offers da Vinci 5 robotic surgery. That gives patients across Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and southeastern New Mexico access to one of the most advanced surgical platforms available today.
The da Vinci 5 is the newest generation of robotic-assisted surgery from Intuitive Surgical, and it is now part of general surgery at AGH. For many patients, that can mean smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery, all without leaving the region. Patients can ask their primary care provider for a referral, or they can contact our surgery team directly.
What is the da Vinci 5?
The da Vinci 5 is the newest and most advanced robotic surgical system made by Intuitive Surgical. A trained surgeon uses it to perform minimally invasive surgery through a few very small incisions, rather than one large open incision.
The system has three main parts: a console where the surgeon sits, a set of robotic arms that hold the instruments, and a high-definition 3D camera. Your surgeon controls every movement from the console while watching a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical area.
The 3D camera also gives the surgeon a magnified view of the surgical site, far larger and clearer than the eye sees during open surgery. This detailed view helps the surgeon identify and protect small structures during the operation.
Compared with the previous generation, the da Vinci 5 adds more than 150 design improvements and far greater computing power. It also introduces a feature called Force Feedback, which lets the surgeon sense the pressure being applied to tissue. Together, these advances support the precision and control that delicate procedures demand.
The da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system at Artesia General Hospital.
Is the robot doing the surgery, or is the surgeon in control?
Your surgeon is in control at all times. The da Vinci 5 does not move on its own, and it does not make any decisions during your procedure.
Think of it less like a self-driving car and more like a precise extension of the surgeon’s own hands. Every motion of the robotic arms mirrors the movements your surgeon makes at the console, and the system is designed to filter out small hand tremors. Meanwhile, the surgical team stays beside you in the operating room throughout the procedure, just as they would during traditional surgery.
What procedures can the da Vinci 5 treat at AGH?
At Artesia General Hospital, our surgeons use the da Vinci 5 for general and abdominal surgery. Common procedures include hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and colorectal surgery.
Before any operation, you will meet with the surgical team to review your history, your imaging, and your options. The team explains each step, answers your questions, and makes sure you feel comfortable with the plan before you move forward.
During your consultation, Dr. Shyamal Pansuriya will review your condition and talk through whether a robotic, laparoscopic, or open approach is the best fit for you. Not every patient or procedure calls for a robotic approach, and the right choice always depends on your individual case. For a full picture of what our team offers, you can also explore our surgical services in Artesia.
What are the benefits of da Vinci 5 robotic surgery?
Minimally invasive robotic surgery can offer real advantages over traditional open surgery for many patients. Because the incisions are small, patients often experience:
- Smaller scars
- Less pain after surgery
- A lower risk of infection
- Less blood loss
- A shorter hospital stay
- A quicker return to everyday activities
These benefits are common, although they are not guaranteed. Your results will depend on your overall health and the type of procedure you need. Research on minimally invasive and robotic general surgery continues to show strong outcomes when these techniques are used appropriately.
It is also fair to know the trade-offs. Robotic procedures can take somewhat longer in the operating room, and a robotic approach may cost more than traditional surgery. A robotic approach is one option among several. Your surgeon weighs it against laparoscopic and open techniques for each case. Even so, our team will help you understand what to expect, and our billing staff can answer questions about cost before you decide.
How is the da Vinci 5 different from laparoscopic surgery?
Both robotic and laparoscopic surgery are minimally invasive, and both use small incisions instead of one large opening. The main difference is in how the surgeon controls the instruments.
In standard laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon holds long instruments by hand while watching a two-dimensional screen. With da Vinci 5 robotic surgery, the surgeon operates from a console nearby. The controls translate hand movements into precise instrument motion. At the same time, the surgeon views the area in high-definition 3D. As a result, the added range of motion and the magnified view help the surgeon work accurately in tight spaces.
What should I expect before and after robotic surgery?
Most robotic procedures follow a familiar path. You arrive, the care team prepares you for surgery, and you receive anesthesia so you stay comfortable and asleep throughout. Your surgeon then makes a few small incisions, performs the operation from the console, and closes the incisions when the work is done.
Afterward, many patients notice less soreness than they expected, and some go home the same day or after a short stay. Your surgeon gives you clear instructions for activity, wound care, and follow-up. If anything feels off during recovery, you simply call the clinic, which sits close to home rather than hours away.
Who performs da Vinci 5 robotic surgery in Artesia?
Dr. Shyamal Pansuriya, DO, performs da Vinci 5 procedures at AGH. He is a board-certified general surgeon, certified on the da Vinci 5 platform, and trained in open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgery. His practice focuses on general and abdominal procedures.
Dr. Pansuriya completed his general surgery residency at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. Over his career, he has developed specialized experience in complex gastrointestinal conditions. These include colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, and bowel obstructions. He belongs to the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and he has presented research at more than 15 national conferences.
Dr. Pansuriya sees patients from Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and across southeastern New Mexico, and he speaks English, Gujarati, and Hindi.
| To ask whether robotic surgery is an option for you, call the AGH Surgery Department at (575) 736-8235 or request an appointment online. |
Do I have to travel to a big city for robotic surgery?
No. With the da Vinci 5 now at Artesia General Hospital, patients in southeastern New Mexico can have advanced minimally invasive surgery without driving hours away. Staying close to home can also make follow-up visits easier and keeps your care within your own community.
You can also keep your consultations close to home. We offer pre-surgery and follow-up visits at both our Artesia and Carlsbad clinics. The robotic surgery itself takes place at our Artesia campus, a short drive for most patients in the region.
Robotic surgery is not new to AGH, either. Our Bone and Joint Center uses robotic technology for joint replacement. As a result, our region now has access to two of the newest-generation surgical systems. Both sit inside one nonprofit community hospital.
AGH has served this community since 1939. We are a nonprofit, DNV-accredited community hospital. In fact, we are the only hospital in New Mexico certified as a Great Place to Work. Bringing the da Vinci 5 here reflects that same commitment to local care.
Frequently asked questions about da Vinci 5 robotic surgery
Is da Vinci 5 robotic surgery safe?
Surgeons have used robotic assistance in millions of procedures worldwide, with a strong safety record when a trained surgeon performs the operation. As with any surgery, some risks remain, and your surgeon will review them with you before your procedure.
Does insurance cover robotic surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery is generally billed like other surgical procedures, and coverage depends on your plan and the specific operation. The AGH billing team can help you estimate your costs, so feel free to call (575) 736-8235 with questions.
How long is recovery after robotic surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure and by patient. Many people who have minimally invasive surgery go home sooner and return to normal activities faster than they would after open surgery, although your surgeon will give you a timeline based on your case.
Who is a candidate for da Vinci 5 robotic surgery?
Many patients who need general or abdominal surgery, such as a hernia or gallbladder procedure, may be candidates. The best way to find out is a consultation with Dr. Pansuriya, who will recommend the approach that fits your needs.
Will I have large scars after robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery uses a few small incisions rather than one long cut. As a result, most patients are left with small scars that fade over time. Your surgeon can describe what to expect for your specific procedure.
Where is robotic surgery performed at AGH?
Our team performs these procedures at Artesia General Hospital in Artesia, New Mexico. The General Surgery clinic sits at 608 N. 13th Street, Professional Building 3, Suite 500.
Informacion en espanol
¿Habla español? Artesia General Hospital ofrece cirugía robótica con el sistema da Vinci 5. Para preguntar si la cirugía mínimamente invasiva es una opción para usted, llame al Departamento de Cirugía al (575) 736-8235.
| Ready to learn more? If you or a loved one may need surgery, talk with Dr. Pansuriya about whether da Vinci 5 robotic surgery is right for you. Call the AGH Surgery Department at (575) 736-8235 or request an appointment online. |
Medically reviewed by Shyamal Pansuriya, DO, board-certified general surgeon at Artesia General Hospital. Reviewed July 2026.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment options. Surgery, including robotic-assisted surgery, carries risks, and your surgeon will discuss these with you.