Valley Reaches Milestone: 7,500 Robotic Surgeries Completed

We are proud to announce a significant milestone – surpassing 7,500 robotic surgeries since introducing our first Si robotic surgery system, in 2009. Congratulations to Drs. Lau, Wheeler and Knowlton for achieving personal milestones of 1300, 500 and 100 robotic surgeries respectively!  In under two years since receiving accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, VMC has grown to rank in the 75th percentile among peer institutions. This accomplishment places us 14% above the national average for robotic surgery utilization, highlighting our ongoing commitment to improving surgical outcomes through innovative solutions. As we continue to expand our robotic capabilities, we remain focused on leveraging technological advancements to ensure the highest standard of care for our patients. 

Valley Medical Center is celebrating a major achievement in surgical innovation, having successfully completed its 7,500th robotic-assisted surgery. Since first adopting robotic-assisted surgery in 2009, Valley has remained at the forefront of advanced surgical care, improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology.

Recognized as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation in 2023, Valley continues to expand its capabilities. The hospital has expanded from one to two robotic operating rooms and is exploring potential expansion to meet the increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures. Valley ranks in the 75th percentile of our peers for robotic use, 14% above the national average.

“Reaching 7,500 robotic surgeries is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our surgical teams,” said Dr. Greta Bernier, Medical Director of Robotic Surgery at Valley Medical Center. “Robotic-assisted surgery allows us to provide patients with smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery times, and overall better surgical outcomes. We are proud to be a leader in this field and to continue expanding access to this advanced care.”

Valley’s has 18 surgeons who perform robotic surgery. The program is led by high-volume specialties such as general and gynecologic surgery, with additional procedures performed in colorectal, endocrine, surgical oncology, urology, and urogynecology.

"Valley is proud to be at the forefront of robotic surgery,” said Dr. Heather Wheeler, Medical Director for General and Colorectal Surgery. “We are dedicated to providing our community with access to advanced minimally invasive surgery. We are proud to have 19 surgeons from 8 surgical specialties providing robotic surgery care for our patients."

Our robotic surgery volumes continue to climb each year .Surgical Robotics accounted for 10% of our total surgical case volume in 2023 and 18.5% (or 14.2%) of total surgical volumes in 2024. With ongoing investments in robotic technology and surgeon training, Valley Medical Center remains committed to providing patients with the highest level of surgical care.