Austin, Texas — St. David’s HealthCare recently completed its 100,000th robotic-assisted surgical procedure across the healthcare system. The milestone procedure was performed at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. Robotic-assisted surgery offers surgeons enhanced precision, flexibility and control, often resulting in smaller incisions, reduced pain and shorter recovery times for patients. It can also support improved surgical accuracy and outcomes across a wide range of procedures, helping patients return to their daily lives more quickly.
Since performing its first robotic-assisted procedure in 2003, St. David’s HealthCare has grown into one of the nation’s leading robotic surgery programs, providing patients in Central Texas and beyond with access to advanced surgical care. Today, robotic-assisted surgery is utilized at six St. David’s HealthCare hospitals — St. David’s Medical Center, St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital and St. David’s Surgical Hospital.
“Robotic-assisted technology does not replace the hands of a surgeon; rather, it enhances the surgeon’s ability to perform complex procedures with a higher degree of accuracy, precision and control,” Thomas Payne, M.D., vice president of the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery at St. David’s HealthCare, said. “As the technology evolves, we remain focused on delivering innovative, leading-edge surgical care that expands treatment capabilities and redefines what is possible for patients in the years ahead.”
In 2011, St. David’s HealthCare established the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery to provide comprehensive, high-quality care across every phase of treatment. The institute is an international treatment, training and clinical research center that combines excellence in robotic-assisted surgery and outcomes with education and training.
“Reaching 100,000 robotic-assisted procedures is a significant milestone that reflects St. David’s HealthCare’s longstanding commitment to innovation,” David Huffstutler, president and chief executive officer of St. David’s HealthCare, said. “This achievement is a testament to the expertise of our physicians, nurses and surgical teams whose commitment to advancing robotic technology and delivering compassionate, high-quality care continues to shape the future of healthcare.”
Through the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery, St. David’s HealthCare has established one of the most advanced robotic surgery programs in the country, featuring:
- More than 55 surgical robots
- 15 different surgical platforms
- 15 surgical specialties including gynecological surgery; gynecological oncology; reproductive endocrinology; urogynecology; bariatrics; colorectal surgery; orthopedic surgery; spine surgery; neurosurgery; hepatobiliary surgery; surgical oncology; pulmonary surgery; urology; and trauma surgery
- 18 Key Opinion Leader surgeons who host case observations to educate surgeons around the world
- More than 1,000 visiting surgeons and administrators educated through the program
As St. David’s HealthCare continues to expand the future of robotic-assisted surgery, the healthcare system is also utilizing emerging technologies such as telepresence to strengthen surgical collaboration and education. This technology allows surgeons from around the world to join St. David’s HealthCare surgeons and staff educators virtually, eliminating the need for them to be physically present to benefit from observing and interacting with St. David’s HealthCare surgeons and staff. Previously, physicians seeking to observe robotic surgeries for educational purposes were required to be physically present in the operating room.
For more information on St. David’s HealthCare’s robotics capabilities, visit our website.