Robotics in General Surgery
Robotics in General Surgery
Advancing the Future of Robotic Surgery in Academic Medicine
Robotic Surgery within the Division of General Surgery at University of Utah Health represents a growing academic platform focused on advancing minimally invasive surgery through clinical innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and next-generation surgical education.
Integrated across elective surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, foregut surgery, bariatrics, and acute care surgery, robotic surgery plays a central role in how our division delivers modern surgical care and prepares future surgeons.
As part of a leading academic health system in the Mountain West, the program combines advanced robotic technology, high-volume operative experience, and structured resident training to help define the future of robotic surgery in academic medicine.
A Message from the Robotic Section Leader
Robotic-assisted surgery is widely regarded as one of the most significant advancements in modern surgery and has become a hallmark of excellence at many of the nation's leading healthcare institutions. The technology provides surgeons with enhanced visualization, precision, and control, allowing us to offer minimally invasive approaches for many procedures that once required larger incisions. For patients, this often translates into less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker recovery. Our robotic surgery program reflects our commitment to delivering the highest level of surgical innovation and patient-centered care.
ABOUT THE ROBOTIC SURGERY SECTION IN GENERAL SURGERY
The Robotic Surgery program is built around the integration of technology, education, and clinical innovation.
Rather than functioning as a standalone service, robotics is embedded throughout the Division of General Surgery and serves as a platform for multidisciplinary collaboration, surgical performance improvement, and advanced minimally invasive training.
Faculty utilize robotic approaches across a wide spectrum of surgical disease while actively developing new models for robotic education, simulation, operative assessment, and clinical research.
The program’s academic mission focuses not only on adopting robotic technology, but on advancing how robotic surgery is taught, evaluated, and integrated into modern surgical care.
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE & EXPERTISE
Robotic surgery is utilized across multiple areas of general surgery including
General Surgery
- Inguinal hernia repair
- Ventral hernia repair
- Cholecystectomy (gallbladder)
Foregut / Bariatric
- Hiatal hernia repair
- Select bariatric procedures
Acute Care Surgery
- Appendectomy
- Cholecystitis management
- Emergency general surgery applications
INNOVATION, RESEARCH & DISCOVERY
Research within the robotics program focuses on advancing the role of robotic technology in general surgery while improving surgical education and patient outcomes.
Current areas of investigation include:
- Robotic outcomes research
- Pain and recovery optimization
- Length of stay reduction
- Comparison with laparoscopic approaches
- Robotics in acute care surgery
- Simulation and operative education
- Surgical performance assessment
- Technology integration and innovation
The program also supports multidisciplinary collaboration with thoracic surgery, urology, cardiac surgery, and other specialties advancing robotic surgical care across the institution.
EDUCATION & SURGICAL TRAINING
Robotic surgery training is integrated longitudinally throughout residency.
Early Training (Intern Year)
- Manufacturer-based safety certification
- Bedside assisting (setup, troubleshooting, instrumentation)
Advanced Training (PGY2–5)
- Progressive console experience
- Increasing case complexity
Simulation & Skills Development
- Dedicated robotics simulation curriculum (basic and advanced skills)
- On-demand access to simulation in the skills lab
- Led by experienced faculty and simulation educators
Hands-On Experience & Outcomes
- Regular multi-robot training sessions with industry partners
- Approximately 60–80 robotic cases per resident
- Eligibility for robotic surgery certification upon graduation
- Graduates enter fellowship or practice with advanced robotic experience
Graduates complete residency with substantial robotic operative experience and preparation for fellowship or independent practice.
REGIONAL & NATIONAL IMPACT
The Robotic Surgery program reflects University of Utah Health’s broader institutional investment in surgical technology, minimally invasive innovation, and advanced operative education.
As robotic surgery continues to evolve nationally, the division is expanding:
- Clinical robotic capacity
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Resident robotic training
- Technology-focused research initiatives
- Advanced simulation capabilities
The program is helping shape how robotic surgery is integrated into academic general surgery training and practice across the region.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION
Robotic surgery is integrated across the institution through collaboration with:
- General surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Urology
- Cardiac surgery
- Foregut and bariatric surgery
- Acute care surgery
This collaborative structure strengthens innovation, education, and surgical problem-solving across specialties.
FUTURE VISION
The Robotic Surgery program continues to expand its role as a leader in minimally invasive surgery, robotics education, and technology integration.
Future priorities include:
- Expansion of robotic systems
- Advanced simulation platforms
- Research growth in robotics outcomes
- Enhanced multidisciplinary robotic programs
- AI integration and performance analytics
- Continued innovation in robotic surgical training
The program remains committed to helping define the future of robotic surgery within academic medicine.