Allina Health becomes first in the Twin Cities to offer da Vinci SP® single-port robotic-assisted surgery

The da Vinci SP® by Intuitive gives surgeons another minimally invasive option for eligible patients. SP stands for single port, meaning certain procedures can be performed through one small incision. The surgeon controls the robotic instruments throughout the procedure; the system does not perform surgery on its own. This system is designed for precision in compact spaces, which may mean less pain and a shorter recovery time for patients.

Surgeons are increasingly using da Vinci SP® to advance surgical approaches in  head and neck, urologic, thoracic, colorectal and oncologic procedures, with the potential to expand its use as new techniques develop. All surgery carries risks, and patients should discuss the potential benefits, risks and other treatment options with their surgeon.

“Expanding our robotic surgery offerings reflects our commitment to ensuring surgeons have access to the best technology for their patients,” said Sanjay Singh, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Executive, Allina Health. “Since 2018, our expert surgeons have performed more than 40,000 robotic cases, making Allina Health a top robotics program in the region.” 

“It’s exciting and gratifying to be able to offer the most advanced medical robotic technology to our patients. For eligible patients, single port robotic approaches can meaningfully reduce the number of incisions needed, which may limit pain and speed up recovery,” said Badrinath Konety, MD, Senior Vice President, Allina Health Cancer Institute and Chief Academic and Research Officer, Allina Health. “We are grateful to the Otto Bremer Trust for investing in this advanced technology and our care teams, helping us put those advances to work in the care we provide.” 

Allina Health has more than doubled its inventory of robotic surgical systems across its metro and regional locations in recent years. In 2025 alone, more than 13,300 robotics procedures were performed at Allina Health using numerous types of robotic platforms for multiple specialties, including General Surgery, Urology, OB/Gyn, Thoracic, Orthopedic and Spine Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology.

The Otto Bremer Trust’s support of the da Vinci SP® builds on its continued investment in Allina Health programs, including funding mobile imaging units – "Mammo on the Move" for breast cancer screening and "LIFE" for lung cancer screening – which launched earlier this year. Both mobile units bring advanced care closer to patients.

"Otto Bremer Trust is proud to provide capital that helps non-profit organizations like Allina Health bring advanced, minimally invasive surgical technology to more people," said Caroline (Kiki) Johnson, Co-CEO and Trustee, Otto Bremer Trust. "As healthcare providers face unprecedented financial pressures, our philanthropic investments allow us to respond strategically to changing circumstances and help fill funding gaps to meet community needs."

To advance innovative care and strengthen healthcare for our community, the Allina Health Foundation connects philanthropic partners like the Otto Bremer Trust with opportunities to support that work. Otto Bremer Trust is a long-time donor to the Allina Health Foundation and a leader in meaningful philanthropy.

Patients interested in robotic-assisted surgery can ask their care team which procedures are available, whether this single-port approach is appropriate for their condition and how to arrange a consultation.