Huntsville’s Crestwood Medical Center has become the first hospital in Alabama to implement a new, state-of-the-art surgical robot, the DB-5. This marks a major step forward in the facility’s use of advanced medical technology.

The robotic system is designed to assist in a wide range of procedures across multiple specialties, including general surgery, urology, gynecology, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) operations. The technology offers enhanced precision, allowing surgeons to operate through smaller incisions with improved control, which may lead to quicker recovery times, reduced pain, and fewer complications for patients.

According to WAAY 31, Dr. Ray Sheppard Jr., a surgeon at Crestwood, explained that patients treated with the new system often experience less post-operative pain, which contributes to faster recoveries. Many of the procedures performed with the DB-5 now allow patients to return home the same day—a shift from traditional surgical methods that typically required longer hospital stays.

Urology specialist Dr. Keith Jimenez said the robotic system could significantly improve treatment outcomes in cases ranging from colon and kidney cancers to gallbladder issues and hernias. He noted that while these procedures have long been common in surgical practice, this new technology brings a modern, minimally invasive approach that can improve patient experiences.

Though the DB-5 is a new addition, Crestwood is not new to robotic surgery. The hospital launched its robotic surgery program in 2012 and currently operates three robotic systems. In November 2023, Crestwood celebrated its 10,000th robotic-assisted surgery—a milestone that underscores the hospital’s long-term commitment to innovation in surgical care.

According to a statement from Crestwood Medical Center’s CEO Justin Serrano, introducing the DB-5 places the hospital at the forefront of surgical advancement in the state. He described the launch as a significant expansion of Crestwood’s robotics program and a reflection of its dedication to high-quality patient care.

More than two dozen surgeons at Crestwood now utilize robotic assistance across multiple disciplines, as part of the hospital’s continued investment in advanced healthcare solutions for the Huntsville community.