Shoals Hospital Launches da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery Program

MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala., – North Alabama Shoals Hospital has launched its robotic-assisted surgery program with the implementation of the Intuitive Surgical da Vinci Xi System, completing its first robotic-assisted general surgery procedure on Friday, February 13.

This marks the first robotic-assisted surgical system at Shoals Hospital and the third robotic-assisted surgical system within the North Alabama market, joining the da Vinci 5 and da Vinci Xi systems at North Alabama Medical Center. Together, the two hospitals now provide comprehensive robotic surgical capabilities on both sides of the Tennessee River, strengthening regional access to advanced minimally invasive care.

The da Vinci Xi system enhances a surgeon’s ability to perform complex minimally invasive procedures through small incisions using wristed instruments that translate hand movements into precise, tremor-filtered micro-movements. The platform delivers high-definition, three-dimensional visualization with significant magnification and is engineered for multi-quadrant access across the abdomen, supporting efficiency during complex cases. The surgeon always remains fully in control of the system.

General Surgeon Kristen Reed, MD, who performed the hospital’s first robotic procedure and has prior experience with robotic platforms, served as a physician champion for implementation of the program.

“We are very excited about what this milestone means for the future of patient care in the Shoals area,” said Reed. “While the da Vinci system is incredibly sophisticated technology, it ultimately serves as a tool that allows us to perform complex procedures with a level of precision and recovery efficiency that once seemed out of reach. To have been part of the team that brought this to our community is a profound honor, and I feel deeply humbled by the trust our patients place in us as we usher in this new era of surgical excellence.” 

Robotic-assisted surgery builds upon traditional laparoscopic techniques by offering improved dexterity, visualization, and ergonomics for the surgeon while maintaining the patient benefits associated with minimally invasive approaches.

“The addition of the da Vinci Xi marks another meaningful advancement in the growth of our surgical services and the care we provide to patients at Shoals Hospital,” said Braxton Holloway, Chief Operating Officer.

The da Vinci Xi can be used in a wide variety of surgical specialties, including general surgery, urology, gynecology, and thoracic procedures. Surgeons using this technology undergo extensive, specialized training.