Metropolitan Hospital Surpasses 1,000 Robotic Surgeries, Expanding Advanced Surgical Care in East Harlem
Program offers advanced minimally invasive care close to home with emergency availability and plans to expand complex procedures in 2027
Patients at Metropolitan Hospital had shorter average hospital stays for robotic cases than for non-robotic cases in several specialties
Nov 05, 2026
New York, NY – NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan announced that its surgical teams have completed over 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries, expanding access to advanced, minimally invasive care in East Harlem and surrounding communities. Since launching in May 2023, the public hospital has built a program that allows local residents to receive specialized procedures closer to home. The program now includes General Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Gynecology, Urology, Thoracic Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. The 1,000-case milestone reflects a Metropolitan Hospital care team with the skill, precision and confidence to offer safe surgical care to the community. The program also includes emergency procedures, with robotic surgery available around the clock, including nights and weekends, for patients facing time-sensitive conditions.
“Every surgical case represents someone placing their health and future in the hands of a care team,” said Julian John, Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. “Completing more than 1,000 robotic procedures reflects that trust and the hospital’s commitment to making advanced surgical care available close to home.”
“I was given adequate information before my robotic surgery, which helped ease my anxiety. I had the surgery with robotic approach through small incisions, and I was home the next day of surgery. Pain has been minimal and recovery has been smooth. My surgeon and the entire Metropolitan Hospital team guided me through the entire process and made the process feel safe for me and my family,” said patient Michelle Palacios, who underwent a robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy at Metropolitan Hospital.
During robotic surgery, the surgeon guides specialized instruments through small incisions while viewing a magnified, three-dimensional image of the surgical site. The surgeon controls the instruments throughout the operation. The technology supports precise movements and access to areas that can be difficult to reach.
Patients at Metropolitan Hospital had shorter average hospital stays for robotic cases than for non-robotic cases in several specialties:
- Thoracic surgery: 4.2 days for robotic surgery compared with 14.5 days for non-robotic surgery
- General surgery: 2.2 days for robotic surgery compared with 4.0 days for non-robotic surgery
- Urology: 2.8 days for robotic surgery compared with 3.7 days for non-robotic surgery
“The goal is to treat the condition while helping patients recover with as little disruption to their lives as possible,” said Anitha Srinivasan, MD, Chief Medical Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. “Every decision begins with the individual patient, including the safest approach to surgery and the support needed after discharge.”
Surgical teams evaluate each patient’s condition, medical history and treatment needs to determine whether a robotic approach is appropriate. Physicians, nurses and other care team members coordinate preparation, treatment and follow-up to support patients throughout the surgical experience.
“Robotic technology gives surgeons a detailed view and precise instrument control when operating in confined spaces,” said Marc Wallack, MD, Chairperson of Surgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. “Those capabilities support complex procedures through smaller incisions, guided by the judgment and experience of a trained surgical team.”
Metropolitan Hospital has introduced strategies to better coordinate operating room time across specialties as demand for surgical care grows. The program also prioritizes completing medical and financial clearances earlier to help confirm surgical dates and promptly reassign available operating room time.
“A strong surgical program depends on coordination at every step, from preparation through discharge,” said Elsa Cosme, Chief Operating Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. “Physicians, nurses and support teams make this care possible. As demand grows, the focus remains on using operating room time effectively and helping patients move through care without avoidable delays.”
In 2027, Metropolitan plans to expand access to complex thoracic, colorectal and hepatobiliary procedures for patients in East Harlem and surrounding communities. These plans build on the program’s growth and its commitment to making advanced surgical care available close to home.
Patients interested in robotic surgery can speak with their care team about appropriate treatment options or call 1-844-692-4692 to schedule a specialty appointment.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Isaiah McClain, Director of Communications at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, mcclaini@nychhc.org, 212-423-7782
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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan is a full-service community hospital in East Harlem and one of eleven hospitals within NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest municipal health system in the United States. Metropolitan Hospital has 338 beds in operation and serves the community through 448,000 clinic visits and 58,000 emergency room visits annually. Since the hospital’s founding in 1875, Metropolitan Hospital has maintained the nation’s oldest municipal hospital-medical school affiliation through its longstanding partnership with New York Medical College. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/metropolitan.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth, all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.