Womack Elevates Surgical Excellence with Da Vinci 5 Robotic Platform

Photo By Keisha Frith | Womack Army Medical Center, General Surgery Program Assistant Director, Dr. Adam Kaplan operates da Vinci 5 from console during procedure. WAMC has officially enhanced its surgical suite with the acquisition of the da Vinci 5, the most sophisticated robotic surgery platform currently available.  

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

04.08.2026

Story by Keisha Frith 

Womack Army Medical Center

Fort Bragg NC – Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC) recently enhanced its surgical suite with the acquisition of the da Vinci 5 (DV5), the most sophisticated robotic surgery platform currently available. This strategic investment empowers WAMC surgeons to perform highly complex procedures through minimal incisions, promising to significantly reduce recovery times and post-operative pain for service members, veterans, and their families.

“We are one of the few facilities in North Carolina equipped with DV5 technology,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Fantony, Department of Surgery chief. “This allows us to increase our surgical volume and ensures our beneficiaries have consistent access to the highest standard of robotic care.”

Womack's commitment to excellence isn't new; it's established on a foundation of proven expertise. As one of the highest-volume robotic surgical hospitals within the Department of War, according to Fantony. WAMC has a track record of successfully performing complex procedures. This extensive experience translates into unparalleled proficiency for its board-certified surgeons and robust training for the next generation of military medical professionals. For patients, this means entrusting their care to a skilled team that uses advanced technology for a safer, more precise, and less invasive procedure.

The DV5 platform introduces several key advancements that streamline the operating room:

• Greater Surgeon control: Surgeons can now directly manage system settings from the console, tasks that previously required manual assistance from nursing staff.
• Improved Ergonomics: The redesigned console reduces surgeon fatigue during long procedures.
• Superior Visualization: Advanced high-resolution optics provide a clearer view of the surgical field, ensuring pinpoint accuracy.
• Real-Time Collaboration: The system allows expert surgeons from across the country to remote into the operating room, providing a secondary layer of expertise if unexpected challenges arise.

“I have found the transition from the Da Vinci Xi the DV5 to be relatively seamless.,” said Dr. Adam Kaplan, General Surgery Program, assistant director. “Most of the changes in the heads-up display and the additional control from the console makes sense and becomes effortless with repetition.”

Acquired through a strategic collaboration with the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, the DV5 represents a shared commitment to medical innovation and the highest standards of care. This versatile robotic platform is utilized across a wide array of surgeries, most notably in general surgery, urology, gynecology, and thoracic surgery; all focused on a singular goal: getting patients back in the fight and home to their families sooner.

• Date Taken: 04.08.2026
• Date Posted: 04.08.2026 15:37
• Story ID: 562040
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US