Physicians Focus on YOU at Henry Mayo – The daVinci X1 Surgical System & Dr. Sevan Stepanian

Open surgery has evolved from traditional cutting to laparoscopic incisions utilizing robotics in the medical field. Urology specialist Sevan Stepanian, M.D. has been practicing in Santa Clarita for three years since completing his fellowship training in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. He joined Facey Medical Group in January of this year. “Robotics is growing rapidly as technology and techniques continue to change”, he said, “The plan is to build a Robotic Center of Excellence with different types of disciplines.”
Affiliated with Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Stepanian and other physicians will be welcoming the first of its kind to this valley—the da Vinci Xi Surgical System. This surgical instrument utilizes advanced robotic, computer and optical technologies to assist surgeons. The system is designed to allow surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. Surgeons control 100% of the movement, which translates their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments. It includes a 3D high-definition (3D-HD) vision system that gives a surgeon a close –up view of the area he or she is operating on. “Robotic-assisted surgery has many benefits,” says Stepanian, “including smaller incisions, less blood loss, less pain, and faster recovery times.” Its availability to the community will help increase patient volume and make visits more comfortable without having to outsource to other hospitals. “The vision of the hospital is centered on patient care with the goal of giving them the best outcomes,” Stepanian said.
His mindset when he steps into an operating room is always patient first. Whether Stepanian is dealing with a benign tumor or prostate cancer, every procedure is specifically tailored to that patient and improving their quality of life. Several of the surgeries he performs are curative, meaning the first shot is crucial in extracting all of the disease and preserving vital organs.  For Stepanian there is preparation involved beforehand, watching videos or researching new methods such as single-site surgery and advances in microscopy that could develop his own skills further. More challenging cases can also be brought to the Tumor Board in which urology, pathology, radiology, and surgery physicians come together to brainstorm treatment strategies.
On clinical days, Stepanian sees anywhere between 60 to 80 patients a week offering counsel face to face and clarifying any questions or concerns for those with life-long diagnoses. With urology, majority of the patients form dependable relationships with their healthcare provider who is often monitoring them for long periods of time. “The most rewarding part with all types of surgery is when a patient entrusts me knowing the risks and they come out of their initial fear doing really well,” Stepanian said.
While his job does require him to be on call as part of a rotating shift between the other urologists in his office, there is generally a good balance of family and work. As a proud father of two, including a one-month old, Stepanian manages to stay busy and pursue his other hobbies in sports and photography.  

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