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Leading the Way in Innovative Surgical Solutions

Read Time: 5 minutes

Two surgeons perform surgery

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the is at the forefront of integrating advanced robotic technologies, significantly enhancing patient access to sophisticated cancer surgeries. This commitment to innovation is evident through the introduction of the single-port robotic system, the use of the Ion robotic navigation system, and the addition of the latest da Vinci 5 surgical technology to aid in increasingly complex surgeries. 

Single-Port Robotic Surgery

Huntsman Cancer Institute was first in the Mountain West to offer single-port robotic surgery. This state-of-the-art technology allows surgeons to perform challenging procedures through a single incision, resulting in minimal scarring. Initially acquired to enhance treatment for head and neck cancer patients, it is now being used for patients with colorectal, urologic, and thoracic cancers.

Hilary McCrary, MD, MPH, head and neck surgeon at Huntsman Cancer Institute and assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Utah, emphasizes the magnitude: “This technology allows for greater precision and less invasive procedures, which can substantially improve recovery time and minimize side effects for patients.”

The single-port system provides a magnified 3D view of the surgical area and instruments that mimic the surgeon’s hand movements. This level of control is particularly beneficial in head and neck surgeries, where critical structures are densely packed and skillfulness is paramount. 

Hilary McCrary stands in front of robotic surgery equipment,

“This technology allows for greater precision and less invasive procedures.”

Hilary McCrary, MD, MPH
Head and Neck Surgeon, Huntsman Cancer Institute

Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy

Huntsman Cancer Institute has also integrated the Ion robotic system, revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment of small lung nodules. The Ion system is a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform that enables physicians to navigate inside the lungs with unprecedented exactness. This capability allows for the biopsy of nodules that were previously inaccessible, facilitating earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

Brian Mitzman, MD, MS, Huntsman Cancer Institute thoracic surgeon and assistant professor of surgery at the University of Utah, highlights the impact of the Ion system: “We’re able to find these tiny little cancers that, normally, we would not be able to remove. We would either be watching until they got bigger or taking out a larger section of the lungs.” 

By detecting and diagnosing lung cancer at earlier stages, the Ion system improves the potential for successful treatment outcomes.

Da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System

In January 2025, Huntsman Cancer Institute announced the acquisition of two da Vinci 5 (DV5) robotic surgical systems, marking the latest advancement in minimally invasive surgical capabilities. The DV5 system offers enhanced control and safety during procedures, setting a new standard in patient care. 

One of the standout features of the DV5 is its force feedback technology. “It provides instant, tactile information, allowing us to perform procedures with unmatched precision,” notes Mitzman. “This technology offers significant benefits to patients and is a considerable leap forward for robotic surgery.”  

The DV5 system’s robotic arms mimic a surgeon’s hand movements and offer improved visualization capabilities, enabling complex  thoracic, urologic, gynecologic, colorectal, and head and neck surgeries to be performed through small incisions. This reduces hospital stays and accelerates recovery times, benefiting patients with various types of cancer.

Hilary McCrary stands in front of robotic surgery equipment,

“We are at the epicenter of robotic surgery.”

Brian Mitzman, MD, MS
Robotic Surgeon, Huntsman Cancer Institute

Comprehensive Robotic Surgery

Since establishing robotic surgery services in 2005, Huntsman Cancer Institute has become one of the most advanced and comprehensive programs in the United States. The surgical team continues to grow and performs a variety of specialized cancer procedures, having completed more than 10,000 robotic operations to date. 

“We are at the epicenter of robotic surgery,” Mitzman says. “Our surgeons are not only performing these procedures but also teaching other doctors at cancer centers around the country how to use this technology.”

Federal funding and donor support enable breakthroughs.