UIC Breaks New Ground in Single-Port Surgery
Introduction
“The direction of minimally invasive procedures is moving toward reducing patient trauma, shortening recovery times, and improving overall outcomes,” said Dr. Francesco M. Bianco, Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). “Cosmetically, it’s utterly incredible how this small incision can make a difference—not only in appearance, but also in how patients perceive their surgery and recovery.”
The single-port surgery system (SP) represents a major advancement in robotic-assisted techniques. “We are able to do surgeries without compromising efficiency and shorter operative timing,” said Dr. Bianco, who has conducted well over 500 single-port surgeries since 2019, when the system was first utilized by UIC.
As the first institute in the country to perform robotic-assisted surgeries with the SP system, and is still the only institute in the Chicago-area. UIC continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with robotic surgery, enabling its team to achieve several worldwide “firsts,” reinforcing the institution’s role as a global leader in minimally invasive care.
Single-Port Features
The instruments used in SP robotic surgery are designed to operate through a single incision, which is less than one inch, made in the abdomen with minimal scarring. Unlike traditional multi-port robotic approaches, which require three to five incisions, this technique channels all tools through a single-entry site.
“The advantage is that these patients have a minor incision with barely any noticeable scarring,” said Dr. Bianco. The system, developed by Intuitive Surgical as part of the da Vinci robotic system, features a console from which the surgeon operates during the procedure.
Compact and multi-articulated, the robotic instruments are engineered to mimic a surgeon’s natural hand movements. The system consists of three endo-wristed, multijointed instruments, including joints for scissors, graspers, and suturing tools. Additionally, a flexible, three-dimensional, high-definition camera gives surgeons a clear, dynamic view of the field for precise healing.
For patients, the benefits are tangible: reduced pain and a lower risk of infection. For surgeons, SP technology is redefining patient care and recuperation by allowing patients to return to their daily lives while maintaining cosmetic appearance.
Breaking New Ground
The Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Division at UIC has been at the forefront of this approach.
“Our robotic surgery department has become one of the most accomplished programs in the nation by advancing surgery and treatment,” said Dr. Enrico Benedetti, transplant surgeon and Head of Surgery and the Warren H. Cole Chair in Surgery. “We have set new standards for what minimally invasive surgery can achieve.”
UIC was the first to apply the system to cholecystectomy, a removal of the gallbladder when it is inflamed or obstructed. The system provides surgeons with greater maneuverability within the body for very small, hard-to-access areas, eliminating the need for additional incisions.
Building on its early success, UIC is now driving the next phase of single-port innovation by expanding the procedure into increasingly complex surgical territories. Surgeons are actively adapting the SP platform for a wider range of operations—such as advanced abdominal procedures and select oncologic cases—with the goal of offering patients the same minimal-trauma approach.
This work is not only broadening clinical applications but also shaping how single-port surgery can be safely and effectively integrated across surgical specialties.
Dr. Bianco's efforts have helped establish UIC's pioneering work.
We are proud to have conducted well over 500 single-port surgeries since 2019. We continue to move forward, pushing what is possible in robotic-assisted surgical intervention.
Patient Recovery
“Word about the successes of the SP procedure has reached other centers,” Dr. Bianco said of the growing number of nationwide referrals seeking care at UIC. “Not only for its proficiency, but for its psychological benefits.”
Patients who undergo SP surgery often experience a faster discharge time and a smoother recovery—not just because of the procedure itself, but because of how they perceive it. “We demonstrated that SP patients go home significantly quicker than those who receive traditional surgery,” Dr. Bianco explained. “We think this has to do with their perception of the surgery and experiencing less pain. They only see a barely noticeable incision and view it as a smaller, less invasive procedure.” This positive perception can ease anxiety and potentially boost confidence in recovery, helping patients heal both physically and psychologically.
With SP procedures now being performed regularly at UIC, the team is currently expanding its applications to examine how the approach can be used in more complex conditions and a broader range of clinical settings.
The continued growth of the procedure is warranted not only by increasing demand but also by measurable improvements in patient experience.
UIC Continues to Pave the Way
UIC remains a national leader in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. With its long-standing reputation for advancing the field. As one of the first hospitals to adopt robotic-assisted surgery, UIC has consistently pushed the boundaries set in the operating rooms.
“We are ahead of the curve. We are teaching this procedure all over the world. I was just recently in Europe to teach this procedure at other major centers. UIC has been at the forefront of this technology,” stated Dr. Bianco.
That spirit of pushing boundaries continues with UIC’s advancing patient care and next-generation technologies.