Because robotic-assisted surgery uses smaller, minimally invasive incisions and provides your surgeon with a magnified, high-definition 3D view of the surgical area, patients often experience less pain, reduced blood loss, smaller scars, a lower risk of infection, fewer complications, and a faster recovery compared to many traditional surgical approaches.

No. Your surgeon is always in complete control during robotic surgery. The robotic system is an advanced surgical tool that helps your surgeon perform minimally invasive surgery with greater precision, flexibility, and control through a few small incisions.

From a console in the operating room, your Intermountain Health surgeon guides every movement of the robotic instruments using hand controls. A high-definition 3D camera provides a magnified view of the surgical area, helping your surgeon see important details more clearly.

The robot does not move on its own or make decisions—it responds only to your surgeon's commands.

Yes. Robotic-assisted surgery has been used for decades and continues to advance. Intermountain Health surgeons have performed thousands of robotic procedures across the system, and several have reached the milestone of over 1,000 surgeries each. As with any surgery, there are risks, but robotic surgery is associated with fewer complications, less blood loss, and lower infection rates compared to traditional open surgery. 

It is normal to feel tired after robotic-assisted surgery, as your body needs time to heal.

• Pain is typically well controlled with medication, and many patients experience less pain and need less pain medicine than they would after traditional open surgery.
• Drink plenty of fluids, eat light, nutritious meals, and take short walks to support healing and recovery.
• Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and other demanding activities until your surgeon tells you it is safe.
• Follow your post-surgery instructions carefully to help reduce the risk of complications and support a smooth recovery.
• Your Intermountain Health care team will provide clear, step-by-step recovery guidance and ongoing support throughout the healing process.

Most major insurance plans, including Medicare, cover robotic-assisted surgery when it is medically necessary. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by insurance plan and procedure. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your benefits. Our team can also help you understand your coverage, assist with preauthorization requirements, and guide you through the insurance process.

Not every case is a fit for robotic-assisted surgery, and that's okay. Talk with your Intermountain Health provider — they'll review your condition, explain your options, and help you make the choice that's right for you. Whether your priority is safety, a fast return to work, understanding the technology, or maintaining your independence, our team meets you where you are.

Intermountain Health offers robotic-assisted surgery at hospitals and surgical centers across the region, making advanced surgical care more accessible and convenient. To find a location near you that provides robotic surgery, visit intermountainhealth.org or talk with your provider about a referral.