With over 2,500 robotic surgeries performed, St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) is establishing itself as a leader in robotic surgery, now expanding its capabilities to handle more complex cases such as kidney transplantation, cardiac surgery, and ureteral reimplantation in a pediatric patient.
SLMC has established a clear legacy of innovation in robotic surgery, beginning in 2010 when it became the first hospital in the Philippines to acquire the Da Vinci Si Robotic Surgery System. The program reached a significant milestone in 2019 by crossing the 1,000 robotic surgery mark. SLMC continued its trailblazing path in 2023 by performing Southeast Asia’s and the Philippines’ First Robotic-Assisted Kidney Transplant, a breakthrough in minimally invasive transplant surgery.
The following year, 2024, saw two major achievements: the hospital was the first in the country to acquire the latest Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery System, which it immediately utilized to perform the First Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Most recently, the program exceeded 2,500 total robotic surgeries in 2025, the same year it achieved the First Robotic-Assisted Ureteral Reimplantation in a pediatric patient in the Philippines.
‘We are currently performing procedures in cardiology, kidney transplants, urologic and gynecologic oncology, and groundbreaking oral surgery for ENT. And now we’re doing general surgical procedures for colorectal cancer and are exploring bariatric surgery for morbid obesity,’ said Dr. Dennis P. Serrano, SLMC President and CEO.
‘So I think in the future, wherever you see surgery being done, we will start thinking, how can robotics or how can minimally invasive surgery be applied in that case? And that’s a global effort. It’s a global trend that we’re seeing,’ he continued.
Undisputed leader
SLMC is the undisputed leader in robotic surgery in the Philippines, officially certified by Device Technologies (DTG Medical Inc.) for completing over 2,500 robotic-assisted procedures, the highest volume in the country.
‘In the Philippines, we are the clear leader in this field. I can safely say that. Our volume surpasses that of many hospitals in Southeast Asia, including centers in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. While some centers in Singapore have higher numbers, they also had a significant head start,’ said Dr. Serrano.
‘But I think it’s not just about the numbers. More than the numbers, it’s about the commitment. It’s about the outcomes. It’s about the vision. Why are we doing this? Why are we advancing this? Essentially, to tell the Philippines that you don’t have to go abroad to get expert care,’ he also said.
Milestone celebration
On October 2, 2025, SLMC held a milestone celebration at the Isla Grand Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City, honoring its robotic doctors, groundbreaking achievements, and patients whose lives were transformed through robotic-assisted care. The program featured the recognition of pioneering and top-performing robotic surgeons, the presentation of trailblazing and groundbreaking procedures, acknowledgment of rising stars from St. Luke’s-Quezon City and moving patient testimonials that highlighted the human impact of advanced surgical innovation.
Members of the media heard directly from two patients about their robotic surgery experiences. According to Anna Tuzon and Mario de Jesus, robotic surgery offers significant benefits over traditional open surgery, primarily due to its minimally invasive nature. Patients experience shorter hospitalization, reduced pain and discomfort, and a much faster recovery and return to normal activities. Furthermore, the procedure involves smaller incisions, leading to minimal scarring, a reduced risk of infection, and reduced blood loss.
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that employs robotic systems to enhance surgical precision. The system features a surgeon-controlled console and a patient-side cart with robotic arms. These arms manipulate instruments and a high-definition 3D camera, granting the surgeon enhanced, three-dimensional visualization.