FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A general surgeon at St. Agnes Medical Center in northeast Fresno reached a major milestone, performing more than 3,000 robotic surgeries.<\/p>\n
Dr. Russell Martin, a general surgeon at St. Agnes, said the number reflects years of work and the trust patients have placed in him.<\/p>\n
“It shows that 3,000 patients have trusted their lives with me, and it is also a culmination of a decade of experience,” Martin said.<\/p>\n
St. Agnes Medical Center says Dr. Martin is the hospital’s leading robotic surgeon and one of the highest-volume robotic surgeons on the West Coast.<\/p>\n
“To me, it’s just a number, but I do understand the importance of it. I am proud and honored that I can help that many people,” Martin said.<\/p>\n
The hospital says it was the first in the Central Valley to introduce robotic surgery.<\/p>\n
Since then, Dr. Martin, who specializes in minimally invasive surgery, has worked with multiple forms of advanced technology aimed at improving patient care. That includes use of the da Vinci 5 surgical system, which the hospital acquired in 2025.<\/p>\n
“I see medical technology as being for good,” Martin said.<\/p>\n
Dr. Martin has also shared his experience with other physicians learning to use robotic surgical equipment.<\/p>\n
“I’ve actually proctored surgeons throughout the entire Valley and state, as well as across the country,” he said.<\/p>\n
Dr. Martin adds that spreading this knowledge allows more doctors to use advanced tools to treat their own patients.<\/p>\n
With robotic surgery, physicians at St. Agnes can manage high patient volumes while expanding access to care. The technology also helps with a faster recovery process for patients.<\/p>\n
“Anytime you can increase your technology and advance care for better, safer, and more precise, the better patient outcomes,” Martin said.<\/p>\n
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