USMD Arlington Performs First Transanal Excision with da Vinci SP Robot

USMD Hospital at Arlington continues to lead the region in surgical innovation with another major milestone. In September 2025, Dr. Christopher Dwyer and the USMD surgical team performed the first transanal local excision in the Dallas–Fort Worth area using the da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic system — a groundbreaking advancement for patients needing colorectal surgery.

A Breakthrough for Colorectal Patients

Dr. Dwyer shared his excitement about what this means for patients across North Texas:

“Here at this hospital, we are in the business of providing world-class healthcare with innovative technology. We’ve just done that — we completed the first transanal local excision with the da Vinci SP robot.”
— Dr. Christopher Dwyer, Colon & Rectal Surgeon

What makes this advancement so significant is the expanded access to tumors that were previously more challenging to reach through minimally invasive approaches. It also reduces the need for a pre-surgery procedure to identify the location of the lesion.

“This technology is extremely important for our patients’ lives as we now have access to any tumor from zero to 30 centimeters from the bowel. We’re able to take it out with no pain and send the patient home the same day.”
— Dr. Dwyer

Why the da Vinci SP Matters

The Single Port system represents a major step forward compared to traditional multiport robotic surgery.

“With the single port technology, we’re able to get inside the patient’s abdomen and inside the rectum, then fan the instrumentation out and rotate the robot to any location we need.”
— Dr. Dwyer

Previously, surgeons relied on multiport systems requiring several incisions and more complex maneuvering. The SP simplifies this dramatically:

• One small incision (for an abdominal approach, but ZERO for transanal)

• Greater access and flexibility

• Less pain and faster recovery

• Same-day discharge for many (transanal and some transabdominal) patients

• Improved visualization and precision

Dr. Dwyer notes how transformative this has been for surgeons and patients alike.

“This is compared to the previously used multiport technology, which can be cumbersome.”

USMD: A Regional and Statewide Leader in SP Technology

USMD Hospital at Arlington is uniquely positioned as a leader in SP innovation:

• One of only three sites in DFW with the da Vinci SP

• The ONLY hospital in Texas with two SP systems

• The first hospital in North Texas to use the SP for colon and rectal surgery

“USMD Hospital at Arlington is one of three sites in the DFW area with the SP — and the only hospital in Texas with not one, but two. We were the first hospital in North Texas to use it for colon and rectal surgery.”
— Dr. Dwyer

This investment reinforces USMD’s commitment to providing patients with the most advanced minimally invasive surgical options available.

A Legacy of Innovation

USMD’s partnership with Intuitive, the maker of the da Vinci robotic systems, has spanned more than two decades.

“We really appreciate the collaboration we’ve had with Intuitive. Here at USMD Hospital at Arlington, since 2000 we’ve performed 20,000 robotic surgeries.”
— Dr. Dwyer

This long-standing partnership has allowed the hospital to grow one of the strongest robotic surgery programs in the region — and the SP milestone is the latest example of that leadership.

Looking Ahead

The successful completion of this procedure marks an exciting step forward for colorectal care in Texas. As Dr. Dwyer and the USMD team continue to expand the use of the SP system, patients can expect even more minimally invasive options, shorter recoveries, and exceptional outcomes.

The Future of Single Port Surgery at USMD

The da Vinci Single Port system is already transforming care for urology, colon and rectal, and select general surgery procedures. As indications continue to expand, more surgeons will be able to incorporate SP technology into their practice, opening the door to even less invasive surgeries and better outcomes for patients. USMD is committed to supporting this growth and ensuring our community has access to the most advanced surgical options available.