Dr. John Y. Lee: Robotic Surgery Expertise; Safe and Fast

When you need surgery, confidence matters. You want to know you are in the hands of an experienced surgeon who uses advanced technology, prioritizes safety and is committed to helping you recover as seamlessly as possible. At Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, John Y. Lee, MD, FACS, brings more than 25 years of surgical experience and a deep focus on minimally invasive robotic surgery to patients throughout the community.

Dr. Lee has performed more than 1,000 robotic surgeries and is recognized among the top 1% of robotic surgeons in the nation for emergent robotic surgeries. He also serves as a proctor for Intuitive’s da Vinci robotic surgical system, helping train and support other surgeons in the use of this advanced technology.

What robotic surgery can mean for you

Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform procedures through small incisions while using enhanced visualization, precise instruments and improved range of motion. For many patients, minimally invasive surgery may support a shorter hospital stay, reduced discomfort, smaller scars and a faster return to daily activities compared with traditional open surgery. Each recovery is different, and Dr. Lee works closely with you to determine the surgical approach that best fits your condition and overall health.

Innovations designed to improve recovery

Dr. Lee continues to refine his surgical techniques with your experience in mind. For robotic ventral and umbilical hernia repairs, he has moved away from using a traditional tacker device to hold the mesh to the abdominal wall. With this approach, patients have reported reduced irritation and post-operative discomfort while still supporting a strong repair.

He has also adopted advances in robotic appendectomy. By moving from a 12-millimeter stapler to a newer, 8-millimeter stapler for this procedure, Dr. Lee can use a smaller instrument size, which may help reduce tissue trauma and discomfort during recovery. These types of refinements reflect his commitment to using technology in a meaningful way for patients.

A focus on safety and lower infection rates

Surgical expertise is not only measured by the number of procedures performed. It is also reflected in outcomes. Infection prevention data from 2022 to date shows Dr. Lee’s surgical site infection rate is below expected benchmarks. His observed infection rate was approximately 50% lower than expected for similar procedures. In years where comparison data was available, Dr. Lee’s results were well below California and national benchmarks for the same surgeries.

Experience when minutes matter

Some surgeries are planned. Others happen unexpectedly. Dr. Lee’s experience with emergent robotic procedures helps you receive advanced minimally invasive care even in time-sensitive situations. Being recognized among the top 1% of robotic surgeons nationally for emergent surgeries reflects his ability to use robotic technology efficiently and effectively when you need timely surgical care.

Advanced surgical care without leaving the community

For patients in Lodi and the surrounding areas, Dr. Lee’s expertise means advanced robotic surgery is available close to home. Whether treating hernias, appendicitis, gallbladder disease, intestinal conditions, breast conditions or other general surgery needs, Dr. Lee combines clinical experience, modern surgical technology and a strong focus on patient safety.

You can feel confident knowing you have access to a surgeon who not only performs robotic surgery but also helps teach other surgeons how to use robotic technology. Dr. Lee’s experience, outcomes and ongoing commitment to innovation reflect a simple goal: helping you receive safe, high-quality surgical care with a smoother path to recovery.

To learn more about robotic surgery with Dr. John Y. Lee or to schedule a consultation, view his provider profile or call his office at 209-334-8510.