Minimally invasive surgery

At the Utah Institute for Robotic Surgery, we’ve secured new robotic surgical technology, allowing our surgical teams to work with some of the most sophisticated surgical equipment on the market. These advances in our surgical practices have increased efficiencies in our operating rooms and, in many cases, redefined standard operating procedures.

Our highly skilled surgeons continue to advance the field of robotic surgery in Utah, performing over 50 unique classifications of surgery since our program’s inception. Robotic surgery has played a key role in the growth of our gynecology, urology, oncology, colorectal and general surgical practices since 2011.

Robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform many procedures using minimally invasive methods. This means we are able to use small surgical instruments that fit through a series of smaller incisions to perform your procedure.

Advanced robotic technology offers 3D, high-definition vision into your surgical site, which allows for increased precision during your procedure. With its specialized instruments that bend and rotate further than the human hand, the robotic systems lend a level of dexterity and control that goes unmatched.

Robotic surgery does not mean that the robot performs surgery autonomously, without aide. In fact, these complex systems require highly skilled surgeons to be at their controls to operate.

During the procedure, the surgeon controls the robotic arms and surgical instruments from a console just a few feet away from the operating table.

Robot-assisted surgery offers a variety of benefits to patients over traditional surgery, including:

• Less pain
• Less blood loss
• Less scarring
• Shorter overall recovery time

At the Utah Institute for Robotic Surgery at St. Mark’s Hospital, we’re committed to providing quality healthcare to you and your family. Your care team consists of a variety of highly trained, experienced healthcare professionals—some of whom you will see frequently and others who work behind the scenes.

Each member of your care team takes a personal interest in your care plan and will do their best to make your experience as pleasant and successful as possible.

Our robotic surgery team includes:

• Anesthesiologists
• Surgeons
• Preadmission testing (PAT) nurses
• Preoperative team
• Operating room robotic team
• Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses
• Inpatient nurses

We use robotic surgery across numerous specialties, including:

• Colorectal surgery
• General surgery
• Gynecologic surgery
• Orthopedic surgery 
• Spine surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Urology surgery

Please consult with your surgeon to see if robotic-assisted surgery is a possibility for your procedure.

Our robotic technology provides one of the most advanced options for patients needing spine surgery. It optimizes patient care by combining the benefits of navigation and robotic guidance into one technology.

This system assists physicians in placing screws during minimally invasive lumbar, thoracic and cervical spinal fusions. This means that patients who have experienced traumatic spinal injuries, or those suffering from spinal instability due to conditions like scoliosis or spondylolisthesis, can greatly benefit from the robot’s precision during spinal screw placement.

We were the first community hospital in the world to use this robotic technology. This unique system also features an integrated navigation platform, which seamlessly combines real-time X-rays taken during the surgery with preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and fluoroscopic images.

This combination provides a 3D view and increased accuracy in surgical guidance so surgeons can precisely place spinal bone screws. The technology also significantly reduces patient radiation exposure due to minimal scanning requirements.

Below you can find some of the most commonly asked questions about robot-assisted surgery.

Each surgery that we perform comes with a unique set of risks and outcomes that should be discussed with your surgeon prior to your procedure. Robotic surgery does come with a set of risks, many of which mirror those encountered through traditional surgical methods. Whether you are considering traditional surgery or robot-assisted surgery, we encourage all of our patients to be informed of all possible outcomes through research and in-depth discussion with your doctor.

We offer a broad range of robotic services with capabilities ranging from general surgery to advanced gynecological procedures. While not all of our patients currently qualify as candidates for robotic procedures, advancements in the field are being made continually. Please visit with your individual surgeon to discuss your procedure and whether or not robotic surgery is an option for you.

Preparing for robotic surgery is very similar to preparing for other types of surgeries. Your surgeon will brief you on all of the preoperative instructions and routines that you will need to follow prior to your procedure. Any special instructions from your surgeon will be reviewed at the time of your preoperative consultation.

Generally, patients receiving robotic surgery have been found to have improved recovery times over more traditional open surgery options. Because the technology allows for smaller incisions and increased surgical precision, patients are generally able to resume normal activity faster than traditionally reported.

Robotic surgery is commonly classified as minimally invasive surgery. If your insurance covers your particular diagnosis and minimally invasive procedures, they will likely include robotic surgery as a surgical option. It is always important to review your coverage prior to scheduling your procedure.