New robotic surgery at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital brings hope to cancer patients
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital announced today an expanded use of robotic surgical technology that will help patients fighting advanced colon cancer that has spread to the liver. Dr. Francisco Macedo, surgical oncologist at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, used robotic assisted surgery to implant a hepatic artery infusion pump (HAIP) in the patient’s liver. This innovative procedure makes HCA Florida North Florida Hospital one of only a few centers in the state offering this procedure robotically, giving patients in our community access to a less invasive option for this highly specialized treatment.
“The robotic platform allows us to perform this complex procedure through small incisions, reducing recovery time and surgical risks for our patients,” said Dr. Macedo. “By combining robotic surgery with advanced liver-directed therapy, we are expanding treatment options for patients with advanced colorectal cancer and liver metastases.”
The HAIP program offers new hope to patients with stage IV colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. The treatment can improve survival and, in select cases, make future surgical removal of liver tumors possible. Dr. Macedo previously performed the first non-robotic HAIP implantation in North Central Florida in 2023, which was also only the second surgery to use the new HAIP technology within all of HCA Healthcare nationwide.
“This innovation reflects our commitment to integrating advanced technology in healthcare, ensuring the highest standard of care to the North Central Florida community,” said Gabe Bullaro, chief executive officer of HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. “We are immensely proud of our talented surgical team for their efforts to continue to innovate and create healthier tomorrows for our patients.”
Once implanted, the HAIP allows a patient’s oncology team to deliver chemotherapy directly to the liver. Because the liver metabolizes the drug before it enters the rest of the body, higher doses can be administered with fewer systemic side effects. This treatment is given in combination with standard chemotherapy, offering patients a more durable response and the potential for improved long-term survival.
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital is considered a high-volume center of excellence for surgical oncology, ranked No. 1 in the state of Florida for gastrointestinal surgery by Healthgrades, the top online resource Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. To learn more about the hepatic artery infusion program and surgical oncology services at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, or to schedule an appointment, visit the HCA Florida Healthcare website or call (844) 70-NURSE.