Women in Taos now have access to advanced minimally invasive gynecological surgical care thanks to the introduction of the da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System at Holy Cross Medical Center. Dr. Casey Smith, an OB/GYN at the Women’s Health Institute, one of Holy Cross’s specialized clinics, is leading the charge in offering minimally invasive surgeries for a variety of gynecological procedures. This state-of-the-art technology, now available locally, eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances to receive high-tech minimally invasive surgeries, allowing patients to recover close to home.
The da Vinci 5 robotic system acts as a highly sophisticated surgical assistant. While the surgeon is still entirely in control of the procedure, the robot enhances the surgeon’s capabilities by offering improved visualization, increased dexterity, and greater precision. “The da Vinci system is a game-changer,” says Dr. Smith. “It allows us to offer minimally invasive surgeries that often result in less pain and quicker recovery times. Many patients can go home the same day, and patients living in the Taos area can get home and recover without a long commute.”
Dr. Smith uses the da Vinci surgical robot to perform a range of gynecological surgeries, including hysterectomies, oophorectomies (removal of ovaries), salpingectomies (removal of fallopian tubes), and ovarian cystectomies (removal of ovarian cysts). These procedures, traditionally done through larger incisions, can now be performed with the assistance of the da Vinci system, which can mean smaller incisions and can reduce both the physical trauma and the recovery time for patients.
“Having the da Vinci robot here in Taos is a remarkable resource,” Dr. Smith adds. “The system enhances my ability to see and maneuver during surgery. The visualization it offers is unmatched, and its precision is invaluable. The next closest da Vinci system is in Santa Fe, which would require patients to travel for multiple appointments, adding a lot of unnecessary travel and stress. We now offer these services right here in our own community.”
James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center, highlights the significance of having this advanced technology in a rural hospital. “Bringing the da Vinci 5 to Taos is a key part of our ongoing commitment to providing top-quality medical care to the people of Taos. We are fortunate to have an incredible team of physicians and surgeons, and now we’re adding the high-tech tools necessary to offer the same procedures found in much larger institutions.”
The acquisition of the da Vinci system was made possible through the generosity of a local donor, and Kiser expressed deep gratitude for this investment in the community. “We are immensely grateful to the donor who helped make this possible. Their support has allowed us to bring world-class surgical technology to Taos, and the long-term benefit of having the da Vinci system here will be tremendous. We are honored to provide our community with the best possible care, using top-of-the-line equipment.”
The da Vinci 5 system is not only transforming gynecological care in Taos. It’s also being used by Dr. Steven Slikkers and Dr. Stephen Balise, general surgeons at Holy Cross Surgical Specialties, to perform a variety of general surgical procedures. The versatility of the da Vinci 5 makes it a valuable tool across multiple surgical specialties, ensuring that patients in Taos receive cutting-edge care for a wide range of conditions.
For Dr. Smith, this advancement in technology is a welcome addition to her practice. “I love working in Taos, caring for the people in my own community is the most rewarding part of my job. The added benefit is that this area is so beautiful—it offers so many opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. Now, we can help more patients return to their daily lives and appreciate this amazing place we live in.”
With the da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System at Holy Cross Medical Center, the community has greater access to advanced healthcare services, all while staying close to home. This innovative technology underscores the hospital’s mission to continue providing the best quality of care for the region.
Learn more at: TaosWomensHealth.org