Read Time: 4 minutes
Takeaways:
- Huntsman Cancer Institute is the first academic hospital in the Western United States to complete a full fleet upgrade to da Vinci 5 surgical systems.
- Huntsman Cancer Institute experts are committed to offering patients access to the latest innovations in treating their cancers.
Impact: Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 research and innovation in robotic surgery are improving patient outcomes, training the next generation of surgeons, and advancing cancer care for communities throughout the Mountain West.
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the (the U) has completed a major upgrade to its robotic surgery program, becoming the first academic hospital in the Western United States to fully transition to the . This next-generation technology enhances precision, control, and safety in minimally invasive cancer surgeries, reinforcing Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 position as a leader in advanced surgical innovation.
The milestone marks the latest in a series of firsts for Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 robotic surgery program. In January 2024, it became the first hospital in the Mountain West to introduce the da Vinci single port (SP) system, which enables surgeons to operate through a single small incision. In December 2024, Huntsman Cancer Institute added Utah鈥檚 first DV5 system, and by September 2025, it upgraded its remaining robotic fleet鈥攅xcluding the specialized SP鈥攖o the DV5 platform.
"Huntsman Cancer Institute continues to lead the region in robotic surgery,鈥 says Brian Mitzman, MD, MS, FACS, FCCP, Huntsman Cancer Institute investigator, associate professor of surgery at the U, and medical director of robotic surgery for 麻豆学生精品版. 鈥淥ur investment in the next-generation DV5 systems, the most advanced robotic platform currently on the market, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to surgical innovation and delivering exceptional outcomes for our patients. After seeing outstanding results, we wanted to offer this technology to all our patients at Huntsman Cancer Institute."
Huntsman Cancer Institute is the first hospital in the Western United States to complete a full fleet upgrade to the DV5 system鈥攑lacing it among the top 1% of academic hospitals in the region for the number of DV5 systems and robotic platforms, according to Intuitive Surgical.
鈥淚 am excited that our patients at Huntsman Cancer Institute will now have greater access to our expanded fleet of DV5 systems."
Sachin Apte, MD, MS, MBA
The introduction of the DV5 marked a major milestone in Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 commitment to delivering cutting-edge care to communities across the Mountain West. With robotic arms that mimic a surgeon鈥檚 hand movements and enhanced visualization capabilities, the DV5 enables complex surgeries to be performed through small incisions, reducing hospital stays and accelerating recovery times.
鈥淚 am excited that our patients at Huntsman Cancer Institute will now have greater access to our expanded fleet of DV5 systems,鈥 says Sachin Apte, MD, MS, MBA, chief clinical officer at Huntsman Cancer Institute and physician-in-chief of the cancer hospital. 鈥淭his transformative platform incorporates enhanced feedback to the surgeon, combined with AI, to not only enable our surgeons to deliver safe and effective care but also to continuously improve surgical precision for both the trainee and surgeon.鈥
The DV5 can be utilized for a wide range of surgical specialties, and this versatility allows Huntsman Cancer Institute to offer minimally invasive options for a variety of complex procedures, including thoracic, urologic, gynecologic, colorectal, and head and neck surgeries.
Advancing Surgical Innovation
Huntsman Cancer Institute and 麻豆学生精品版 has long been at the forefront of robotic surgery. It was the first cancer center in the Mountain West to offer single-port robotic surgery in 2024 and was the first in Utah to offer the DV5 to patients. The addition of these DV5 systems expanded the U鈥檚 existing robotic surgery program, which now includes 10 platforms across five operating sites.
鈥淲e are at the epicenter of robotic surgery,鈥 says Mitzman. 鈥淲e have 44 active robotic surgeons and a robust training program that ensures we鈥檙e always advancing our expertise. Our surgeons are not only performing these procedures but also teaching other doctors at cancer centers around the country how to use this technology.鈥
Unlike traditional surgical procedures, the DV5 allows surgeons to receive real-time feedback and insights during operations. The system鈥檚 artificial intelligence provides detailed analytics on each procedure, helping surgeons optimize their techniques.
鈥淭he platform鈥檚 case insights can measure everything from the force applied during surgery to the efficiency of a surgeon鈥檚 movements,鈥 says Mitzman. 鈥淭hese insights are invaluable for both trainees and experienced surgeons, helping us continually improve our skills and outcomes. Since incorporating the DV5 into our treatment plans, we noticed a 40% decrease in force applied to human tissue during surgery. This new technology is not only improving patient outcomes but also ensuring that our communities have access to the most advanced care available.鈥
鈥淲e are committed to being the best of the best in robotic surgery.鈥
Brian Mitzman, MD, MS
A Patient's Perspective
Denise Dailey, one of the first patients to undergo surgery with the DV5 at Huntsman Cancer Institute, shared her experience.
鈥淚 went home the next day with no limitations,鈥 says Dailey. 鈥淭he recovery was a breeze compared to what other people have told me about traditional surgeries. I didn鈥檛 need any pain medication after being discharged, and my breathing is completely normal.鈥
Dailey was initially concerned about the impact of the surgery on her daily life. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the seamless recovery process and the compassionate care she received at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
鈥淒r. Mitzman鈥檚 diagnosis was spot on, and instead of removing my entire lung, he was able to perform a wedge resection,鈥 Denise adds. 鈥淚 even got my hair done the next week, and no one could tell I had been in surgery.鈥
The Future of Robotic Surgery at Huntsman Cancer Institute
Since introducing robotic surgery in 2005, Huntsman Cancer Institute and 麻豆学生精品版 has performed more than 12,000 robotic-assisted procedures, with numbers growing rapidly. Huntsman Cancer Institute plans to continue expanding its robotic surgery program by acquiring additional platforms, training more surgeons, and hiring more specialists in robotic procedures.
鈥淲e are committed to being the best of the best in robotic surgery,鈥 says Mitzman. 鈥淲e鈥檝e increased our robotic fleet substantially in the past year alone, demonstrating our dedication to staying at the forefront of medical advancements.鈥
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Media Contact
Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to create pioneering cancer treatments beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 325 open clinical trials and more than 300 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient鈥檚 unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.