Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital reaches landmark 20,000th robotic surgery milestone

Hospital among top 1% of US medical centers performing robotic-assisted procedures

Kaleida Health Press Release & Photos

Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, a Kaleida Health facility, proudly announces the completion of its 20,000th robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci surgical system – a milestone that places Millard among the top 1% of medical centers in the U.S. – and one of just 42 hospitals nationwide to achieve this distinction. This accomplishment reinforces Millard’s leadership in minimally invasive surgical care in Western New York and beyond since performing its first robotic surgery in 2010.

The hospital performed its first 10,000 robotic-assisted procedures over a decade (2010 - 20), while the most recent 10,000 cases have been completed in just the past five years – demonstrating the rapid growth and increasing demand for robotic surgery at Millard.

In 2024, Millard became the first and only hospital in the region recognized as a Surgical Review Corporation Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, further demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to innovation, patient safety, and exceptional surgical outcomes.

The 20,000th procedure underscores Millard’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge surgical technology, resulting in reductions in recovery times, lower complication rates, and improved surgical precision. By expanding access to world-class robotic-assisted care, Millard continues to ensure patients in Western New York receive the most advanced treatments without the need to travel.

"This milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care," said Judy Baumgartner, president of Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. "Robotic surgery has revolutionized how we perform complex procedures, offering greater precision, less pain, and faster recoveries. We are incredibly proud of our surgical teams for achieving this milestone and for continuing to provide the highest level of care to our community."

A history of surgical innovation

Millard has been at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery since 2010, when it became one of the first hospitals in the region to make substantial investments in da Vinci surgical technology. Over the years, the program has benefited from significant support from the Kaleida Health Foundation and its generous donors, allowing Millard to expand its capabilities, acquire state-of-the-art technology, and enhance training opportunities for its specialty surgical teams.

Thanks to this ongoing investment, Millard now features five da Vinci robotic surgical systems and a team of more than 40 highly skilled surgeons – the largest and most advanced robotic surgery program in Western New York.

Among them, eight surgeons have completed more than 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries, one has performed over 2,000 cases, and another has surpassed 3,000 cases – further underscoring the depth of expertise and experience within the program.

Millard performs robotic-assisted procedures across six surgical specialties, including:

√ Urology

√ Gynecology

√ General surgery

√ Colorectal surgery

√ Gynecologic oncology

√ Urogynecology

"Robotic-assisted surgery is definitely my preferred approach for complex kidney, bladder, prostate and adrenal procedures,” said John Rutkowski, M.D., director of robotic surgery at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, and urologist with Western New York Urology Associates. “With enhanced visualization, greater precision, and minimally invasive techniques, we’re able to provide patients with better outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to their daily lives."

Expanding access to cutting-edge care

Millard is home to the largest and most advanced robotic surgery program in Western New York, performing more robotic-assisted procedures by specially trained surgeons than any other hospital in the region. With an average 27% increase in robotic procedures year over year since 2010, the hospital remains committed to:

√ Expanding robotic surgery offerings to cover additional specialties

√ Investing in next-generation surgical technology to enhance patient outcomes

√ Attracting and training the next generation of robotic surgeons to ensure continued excellence in care

"Reaching 20,000 robotic surgeries is not just about the numbers – it’s about the lives we’ve changed through advanced surgical care," said Jeffrey Visco, M.D., chief of surgery at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, and colorectal surgeon with UBMD Surgery. "Our program is unmatched in size, expertise and impact. We are setting the standard for robotic-assisted surgery in Western New York, giving patients access to world-class surgical care without leaving the region."

As Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital celebrates this remarkable milestone, the hospital remains dedicated to advancing robotic-assisted surgical care, expanding its capabilities, and continuing to provide patients with the safest, most effective treatment options available.

For more information about the Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, visit millardfillmoresuburban.org.