UT Health Athens Celebrates Milestone of 150 Robot-Assisted Surgical Procedures
Athens, Texas (July 23, 2026) — The team at UT Health Athens recently celebrated a significant milestone in surgical care — surpassing 150 robot-assisted procedures using the advanced da Vinci Xi Surgical System. The achievement reflects the hospital’s commitment to bringing innovative technology and high-quality surgical care closer to patients in East Texas.
Since launching its robotic surgery program last fall, UT Health Athens has expanded access to minimally invasive procedures that can help patients experience faster recovery, less pain and smaller incisions compared with traditional open surgery.
“The success of our robotic surgery program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centered care right here in Athens,” said Buddy Daniels, UT Health Athens CEO. “Reaching 150 procedures is a testament to the expertise of our surgical teams and the trust our patients place in us.”
The da Vinci Xi system is used across a variety of specialties and procedures, helping surgeons provide personalized treatment options while delivering excellent clinical outcomes. Surgeons Robert Dorman, MD, PhD, FACS, general surgery; Danny Pugh, MD, general surgery; and Francine McCain, MD, obstetrics and gynecology, all utilize the da Vinci Xi to perform procedures at UT Health Athens. The hospital plans to add trained surgeons to its physician roster and train additional existing surgeons in the use of the robotic system.
The da Vinci Xi platform enhances a surgeon’s ability to perform complex procedures with greater precision, flexibility and control. Using tiny instruments and a high-definition, 3D view of the surgical site, surgeons can operate through small incisions while maintaining exceptional accuracy.
“Our goal is to ensure patients have access to leading-edge surgical care without having to travel far from home,” Daniels added. “This milestone highlights how advanced technology and skilled medical professionals are working together to improve the patient experience throughout our region.”
As UT Health Athens celebrates this achievement, the organization remains focused on growing access to innovative healthcare services and continuing to invest in technologies that enhance patient care and outcomes.
About UT Health East Texas
UT Health East Texas provides care to thousands of patients each year through an extensive regional network that includes 9 hospitals, more than 90 clinics, the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services, an EMS fleet of more than 65 ambulances and four helicopters, and a comprehensive eight-trauma center care network, including the region’s only Level 1 trauma facility.
As a partner with The University of Texas System, UT Health East Texas is uniquely positioned to provide patients with access to leading-edge research and clinical therapies while training and educating the next generation of physicians and other health professionals. The nationally recognized UT System also includes The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, as well as three other major university medical centers located throughout the state.
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