Transforming Health Care with Robotic Surgery

Renown invests in Da Vinci Single Port (SP) and Da Vinci 5 technology to assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive surgery procedures that bring greater precision, flexibility and control, and patients with less pain and quicker recovery times.

The healthcare field is constantly evolving, with new advancements, breakthroughs and technology helping to guide medical professionals in their mission to care for people. One of the most remarkable breakthroughs in recent years has been the advent of robotic surgery, which is heralding a new era in surgical care.

“We are thrilled to bring both the Da Vinci Single Port and Da Vinci 5 robots to our surgeons, our operating rooms and our patients,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “Our investment in this type of advanced surgical technology empowers our surgeons to perform the most complex procedures with greater precision and minimal impact on the body, leading to faster recoveries and improving the overall patient experience. Adding the most advanced surgical robots to our fleet reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of care and is an exciting addition to our surgical capabilities and for our community. We thank our donors for their generous support of this program, which has advanced medical innovation and made a lasting impact on the health of our community.”

It’s worth noting that Renown Health is the first health system in northern Nevada, including all northern California, to adopt these groundbreaking technologies. This achievement is particularly significant considering patients formerly had to travel from northern Nevada to California in search of similar care.

Revolutionizing Surgery for Better Patient Outcomes

Robotic surgery harnesses technology to assist surgeons in performing complex procedures with greater precision, flexibility and control than traditional surgery methods. “The robotic system simply enhances the surgeon’s ability to perform delicate tasks and procedures,” adds Eric Kim, MD, Chief of Urology for Renown Medical Group. “The thin, robotic arms hold surgical instruments that mimic the movement of the surgeon’s hands with a much greater range of motion and precision. These instruments can rotate and bend in ways that a human hand cannot, allowing for more precise cuts, sutures and dissections.”

These systems have benefits for both healthcare teams and their patients. When a surgeon can use the robotic system for a procedure, patients benefit in several areas:

• Reduced pain: Robotic surgery is less invasive than traditional open surgery;
• Return to home faster: The recovery time is shorter after a robotic surgery;
• Less scarring: Because the incisions needed are smaller, not only is the risk of infection lower, but the scarring itself can be smaller;
• Less blood loss: patient don’t lose as much blood during robotic surgery;
• The entire surgery can be done through a single one-and-a-half to two-inch incision, rather than five-plus incisions.

Renown Surgery Care Brings Newest Robotic Assisted Surgery Through a Single Port; First in Region

Eric Kim, MD performed the first Da Vinci SP (single-port) robotic surgery in the region in December 2024, introducing the latest robotic-assisted surgical system. Renown Health is the first health system in northern Nevada, including all northern California, to adopt these groundbreaking surgical robotic technologies. Previously, patients had to travel outside the region to receive this specialized care. Now it can be performed locally at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno.

This advancement aims to improve recovery times and minimize side effects for patients undergoing complex surgeries. The Da Vinci SP gives surgeons the ability to deliver robotic-assisted surgery through a single port—the next era of surgical innovation. The Intuitive Surgical system’s unique patient cart design, instruments optimized for single-port surgery, and advanced vision can help empower surgeons to perform procedures with a range of complexity.

Investing in the Latest Technology

Another transformative step to bringing complex and specialized care closer to home through Renown Surgery Care is the da Vinci 5 surgical robot, a cutting-edge innovation that exemplifies the impact of robotics in healthcare.

Also developed by Intuitive Surgical, this system is designed to empower surgeons to perform intricate procedures using minimally invasive techniques. This robot is distinguished by its enhanced articulation and 3D high-definition visualization, allowing surgeons to manipulate surgical instruments with unprecedented accuracy.

One of the most exciting features of this new robot is its use of Force Feedback technology. This allows surgeons to feel the force of the instrument on the patient through hand controls of the machine. They can now feel the tension and pressure on the skin during steps in surgical procedures such as dissecting and suturing. In short; this allows the surgeon to be gentler throughout the surgery.

“While the robot provides incredible precision, it’s important to know that the surgeon is in complete control of the machine at all times,” said Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, VP and chair of the Department of Surgery at Renown Health.

This advanced robotic system is utilized in a wide array of surgical fields. Its capabilities extend to performing precise dissection and suturing tasks that would be significantly more challenging using conventional methods. The Da Vinci 5's ability to operate through smaller incisions reduces trauma to the body, and the Da Vinci Single Port, with only one incision, means less pain and shorter recovery time for patients after a surgery.

“The Da Vinci 5 surgical robot features improved 3D visualization, refined instrument mobility, and ergonomic benefits for surgeons, allowing for greater accuracy in complex cases,” said Christopher P. Evans, MD, a specialist in urologic oncology and prostate cancer with over 26 years of surgical experience. Dr. Evans also serves as the Vice Chair of Surgery at Renown Health. “This advanced visualization helps the surgeon work with greater accuracy. Renown Health’s expert surgical team has undergone extensive training to operate the new system, ensuring seamless integration into patient care.”

“This marks another significant milestone in supporting our region’s surgeons and the largest surgery program,” says Dr. Galanopoulos. While robotic surgery been around for a while, some of the latest advances seen in the Da Vinci Single Port and the Da Vinci 5 are game-changing for both surgeons and patients. From a robotic surgery standpoint, this is a massive leap forward. Surgeons are now using these robots at Renown, the eighth and ninth in our fleet, across specialties, including gynecology, colon and rectal surgery, bariatric, urologic and general surgery. It certainly enhances our surgeons’ ability to do operations more efficiently and may help patients recover faster.”

“Robotic surgery offers unparalleled precision, flexibility and control, which are crucial for complex procedures, said Michael Thomas, MD, PhD, a surgeon on the Renown medical staff who specializes in diagnosing and treating colo-rectal diseases. “Compared to traditional surgery, robotic-assisted techniques allow for smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and quicker recovery times, meaning patients experience less pain and can return to their daily lives sooner. By combining advanced technology with the expertise of trained surgeon, we’re able to deliver safer, more effective care, setting a new standard for patient outcomes.”

Dr. Alexander L. Ayzengart of Renown Surgical Care performed the first robotic-assisted surgery using the new Da Vinci 5 beginning November 14 at Renown Regional Medical Center. “Minimally invasive robotic surgery, like that offered through the Da Vinci 5, is a tremendous advancement for our bariatric patients,” says Dr. Ayzengart. Dr. Ayzengart is fellowship trained in minimally invasive bariatric surgery for both adults and adolescents, and a national expert on the repair and solutions geared toward gastric reflux. Dr. Ayzengart is highly regarded for his use of the Da Vinci robot and proctors other surgeons in its optimal use. “With the Da Vinci system, we can perform complex weight loss surgeries with smaller incisions and greater precision, which translates to less pain, reduced risk of complications and quicker recovery times. This approach supports our patient’s health goals and helps them get back to their lives faster and with better outcomes.”

More Treatment for More Patients

Chris Nicholas, FACHE, LNFA, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center, says adding the newest Da Vinci Single Port and Da Vinci 5 is a benefit to the community. “Our goal as a not-for-profit health care organization is to invest our resources into technologies that deliver the most advanced and highest quality care,” says Nicholas. “By increasing access to surgeons on both of the latest Da Vinci robotic platforms, more patients will have timely access to minimally invasive surgery and receive the highest quality surgical care."

Added Precision, Less Discomfort

Medically, the word “invasive” means entry into the human body. When surgery can make that entry less impactful, it’s called minimally invasive. This is the theory behind the Da Vinci Surgical System. Surgeons who operate the system are specially trained in robotic surgery and are in complete control during the operation. “Despite what your mother may say, playing video games can enhance hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and fine motor skills- abilities that are also essential for successful robotic surgery,” said Keith Covert, Vice President, Surgical Services at Renown. “Robotic surgery requires precision and dexterity, skills that video games help develop through constant visual feedback and real-time control of hand movements. This type of coordination training can be an asset for surgeons operating advanced robotic systems, ultimately improving patient care.”

As robotic surgery continues to advance, further innovations are anticipated in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and enhanced connectivity between surgical systems and healthcare networks. These developments are expected to continue revolutionizing patient care, offering more personalized and precise treatments while generating even better outcomes.

Renown Health’s acquisition of the Da Vinci Single Port and Da Vinci 5 systems mark a significant advancement in supporting the region’s largest and most comprehensive surgery program. The team at Renown utilizes these state-of-the-art robots across various specialties, including gynecology, colon and rectal surgery, bariatric, urologic and general surgery.

Surgeons at Renown Surgery Care are now accepting patients and most insurance plans. The office is located at 1500 E 2nd St Ste 300, Reno, NV 89502, at https://www.renown.org/locations/renown-surgery-care

or call (775) 982-6270 to schedule an appointment.

For more information about supporting innovative clinical care technology like surgical robots at Renown Health, visit www.renown.org/Foundation.

As the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center for adults and children, Renown serves over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center has been named #1 Hospital for the State of Nevada for 2024, 2023 and 2022. Renown Health has earned the “Best Place for Working Parents” designation as a family-friendly workplace in Nevada, and by Forbes as a Best Place to Work in Nevada (2024).

Renown surgeons trained in robotic, minimally invasive surgery are available for interviews or to provide media tours

upon request. Contact: Renown Public Relations, M: 775-691-7308 or news@renown.org.