General surgeries at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center can now use the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system, hospital officials announced this month.

The da Vinci system, which lets surgeons use a robotic-assisted system for minimally invasive procedures, had been in use since 2012 at the hospital for urologic and gynecologic procedures, according to a news release. New Hanover Regional Medical Center also began using the wirelessly controlled robotic surgery system in 2008.

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center’s new da Vinci Si system gives its patients the option for general surgery procedures as well, the hospital’s release stated.

“Da Vinci robotic surgery is a less invasive technique and offers several potential benefits, including a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, fewer complications, less need for narcotic pain medicine, a faster recovery and smaller incisions associated with minimal scarring,” the release stated.

The da Vinci Si system, launched in 2009, includes several enhanced features over earlier models such as high-definition 3-D vision and dual surgeon-console capability so doctors can train and collaborate during surgeries.

“We are excited to add the new da Vinci Si system to our surgical offerings at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center,” said Matthew Benenati, general surgeon with Novant Health Surgical Associates. “This state-of-the-art technology allows us to expand our robotic surgery options to include general surgery and benefits our patients by making operations safer with a faster recovery and less pain.”