Robot-assisted surgeries in Austin and Central Texas

At St. David’s HealthCare, through the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery (TIRS), our minimally invasive, robot-assisted technology enables surgeons to operate with a higher degree of accuracy and control. This advanced technology is available for several surgical specialties and offers a wide range of advantages compared to traditional procedures.

For more information about robotic surgery at our hospitals, please call the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery at (512) 901-2103 or visit the TIRS page.

Benefits of robotic surgery

Compared to traditional techniques, robot-assisted surgery is associated with several benefits, including: 

  • Better clinical outcomes
  • Better visualization for surgeons through accurate, highly detailed 3D models
  • Enhanced dexterity for surgeons through guided robotic controls or systems
  • Less blood loss
  • Less risk for follow-up surgery
  • Minimal scarring
  • Quicker recovery times
  • Reduced complication rates
  • Shorter hospital stays 

How our robot-assisted tools work

Many of our surgical platforms use robotic technology. These systems enable complex surgeries to be performed using minimally invasive techniques. 

Our systems use a robotic arm that a surgeon controls from a console. The arm features tools used during surgical treatment, including an endoscopic camera, a scalpel and other instruments. 

These advanced systems can also generate 3D models of your unique anatomy. Using these detailed images, surgeons can better plan and perform treatment. 

Surgeries we can perform using this technology

Medical teams at St. David's HealthCare can perform various surgeries using robot-assisted technologies. Surgical specialties taking advantage of these tools include: 

Bariatric surgery

Compared to traditional laparoscopic bariatric surgery, robotic procedures offer a reduced rate of gastrointestinal leaks, less risk for follow-up surgery, and less chance that the surgeon will need to utilize open surgery once the procedure is underway. 

Cardiothoracic surgery

Advanced technology enables doctors to perform surgery on the chest using small incisions. Minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery is an option for specific cardiovascular treatments, including those used to treat valve prolapse and heart disease, and thoracic procedures, including lung surgery. 

Colorectal surgery

Surgeons can perform colorectal procedures, such as colectomy (removal of all or part of the colon) and lower anterior resection (removing the rectum and attaching the colon to the anus), with robot-assisted tools. These surgeries are often used to remove cancer from colorectal tissue. 

General surgery

Robotic technology allows surgeons to perform common surgical procedures, including:

  • Acid reflux surgery
  • Bariatric surgery
  • Gallbladder surgery
  • Hernia repair surgery (ventral and inguinal)
  • Pancreas surgery
  • Small bowel surgery
  • Spleen surgery

All robotic procedures can be completed successfully with small incisions (minimally invasive surgery), less blood loss and fewer complications than open surgery. Additionally, minimally invasive surgery performed with robotic technology allows for less pain and a quicker return to daily activities.

Gynecologic surgery

Robot-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive option for many women's surgeries. We offer two formats for these procedures: multi-port surgery (several small incisions) and single-site surgery. Surgeries using this technology include: 

  • Hysterectomies (removal of all or part of the uterus)
  • Myomectomies (removal of uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous growths)
  • Endometriosis resection (removal of the tissue that lines the uterus) 

Robotic surgery may be an option for cervical, ovarian or uterine cancers. We also perform urogynecologic surgery to treat pelvic prolapse (a condition where the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs become weak or loose). 

Orthopedic and spine surgery

Robotic technology allows surgeons to perform computer-assisted surgery on various joint and spinal abnormalities.  The robotic approach allows for improved preplanning, accurate measurements, precise implant placement and better outcomes than traditional methods.

The following are types of procedures benefiting from robot-assisted technology:

  • Knee surgery (partial and total)
  • Hip surgery
  • Shoulder surgery
  • Spine surgery 

Pulmonary procedures

Robotic technology allows physicians to more accurately identify, isolate and diagnose pulmonary nodules and irregularities discovered in radiologic studies. Robot-assisted pulmonary procedures: 

  • Decrease complications
  • Increase the percentage of lesions with tissue diagnoses
  • Potentially decrease the time from diagnosis to treatment in lung cancer
  • Require no incisions 

Reproductive endocrinology surgery

Reproductive endocrinology is a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology. This medical field deals with endocrine disorders related to the reproductive system. Robot-assisted surgeries include: 

  • Endometriosis
  • Reversal of tubal ligation (a procedure to reverse a tubal ligation, which is when the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked to prevent pregnancy)
  • Treatment for excessive bleeding 

Urologic surgery

Our robot-assisted system can be used to treat a variety of urologic conditions. Available procedures include: 

  • Cystectomy (removal of all or part of the bladder)
  • Prostatectomy (removal of all or part of the prostate)
  • Pyeloplasty (reconstruction of the renal pelvis to drain and decompress the kidney)
  • Nephrectomy (removal of one or both kidneys)