St. Joseph's Health First in Region to Use SP Robotic System for TAMIS (Surgery)

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— St. Joseph’s Health continues to advance surgical care in Central New York with a regional first: Dr. Heitham H. Wady, provider with Colon Rectal Associates of Central New York, LLP and affiliated surgeon at St. Joseph’s Health, will be the first surgeon in Central New York to perform Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) using the da Vinci SP (Single Port) robotic surgical system by Intuitive.

The procedures, scheduled for Friday, July 25, will mark a significant milestone in patient-centered robotic care. TAMIS allows surgeons to remove certain rectal lesions or early-stage tumors through a natural orifice rather than a traditional abdominal incision. For qualified patients, this can mean avoiding major surgery and full organ removal. Most patients return home the same day, with less pain, reduced risk of complications, and a quicker return to normal activities.

“This technology enables us to perform incredibly precise procedures through a single port—sometimes through a natural opening—minimizing trauma to the body,” said Dr. Wady. “For the right patient, it means preserving the organ, avoiding a colostomy, and dramatically reducing recovery time.”

Dr. Amine Hila, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Clinical Officer at St. Joseph’s Health, added: “This is the kind of forward-thinking care our patients deserve. Offering advanced robotic techniques like TAMIS reflects our dedication to minimally invasive treatment options and outcomes-driven innovation.”

St. Joseph’s Health recently added the da Vinci SP system to its already robust robotic surgery program. Designed for single-incision procedures, the da Vinci SP features a narrow, flexible port and a high-definition 3D camera system, enhancing surgical precision, dexterity, and control.

“Robotic-assisted surgery is reshaping what’s possible for patients across many specialties,” said Dr. Hila. “We're proud to lead the way in bringing this technology to the region.”

For more information about robotic surgery at St. Joseph’s Health, visit www.sjhsyr.org/robotics.

August 20, 2025 Update:

Building on the July 25, 2025, regional first using the da Vinci SP platform for TAMIS, Dr. Heitham H. Wady, provider with Colon Rectal Associates of Central New York, LLP and affiliated surgeon at St. Joseph’s Health has now completed a transabdominal right colectomy (right hemicolectomy) with the single-port system, the first publicly reported case in New York State. Performed through a single 3–4 cm incision, this technique enables the removal of colon cancers, unresectable polyps and segments affected by inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis while minimizing pain, shortening hospital stays, and accelerating recovery. The SP system’s four synchronized arms provide superior ergonomics, visualization and versatility across multiple abdominal quadrants, capabilities that expand on prior robotic platforms.

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