AdventHealth unveils a third robotic surgical system in Flagler County

AdventHealth Palm Coast and AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway are expanding its surgical program with the addition of the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system, the most advanced robotic surgery system available today.

The new technology, made possible by an ongoing $2.5 million fundraising campaign by the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation, gives surgeons more precision and control during complex procedures.

“This technology doesn’t replace the surgeon, it sharpens their skills,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO for AdventHealth Palm Coast and Flagler/St. Johns market. “Think of it as putting the best tools in the best hands. That means smaller incisions, quicker recoveries, and less time in the hospital for our patients.”

The da Vinci 5 is the latest model in a line of robotic-assisted surgical systems. It will support a wide range of surgeries, including cancer, urology, gynecology, and general surgery.

The da Vinci 5 robot joins the two da Vinci robotic machines in AdventHealth’s current fleet in Flagler County, including the da Vinci Xi that was added in 2014. For both hospitals, in the last year and a half, the teams have completed nearly 950 cases using robotic surgery.

Fellowship trained, advanced gastrointestinal surgeon with a special interest in cancer of gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas, Dr. Abubaker Ali leads the hospital’s robotic surgery program and said the addition of the da Vinci 5 marks a turning point in the hospital’s ability to treat some of the most challenging conditions.

“This changes what’s possible for our patients,” Ali said. “Adding this new robot enables us to take on more complex cases and still get patients home to heal sooner.”

“Our community helps make this happen,” Bales-Chubb added. “Their support is bringing some of the most advanced tools in medicine right here to Palm Coast.”

With the new da Vinci 5 in place, AdventHealth Palm Coast is expanding its role as a destination for complex surgical care.

In 2025, the AdventHealth East Florida Division established a comprehensive robotic committee to further enhance and streamline the robotics program across the seven hospitals and five ambulatory surgery centers in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties.