Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery

What is robotic surgery?

Dr. Carol Salem stands in a Scripps operating room while a team uses a robotic surgical system.

Dr. Carol Salem, Medical Director, Scripps Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Program

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery. It allows doctors to treat part of your body through tiny surgical cuts (incisions), using special robotic tools. Procedures that once required large incisions and a long recovery, including hysterectomy and cholecystectomy, can now be performed robotically. 


Thousands of patients have had robot-assisted surgery at Scripps. Our experienced robotic surgeons treat a variety of medical conditions, ranging from prostate cancer, heart conditions and lung cancer to uterine fibroids and hernias


Learn why so many people in San Diego choose Scripps for minimally invasive robotic surgery.

Robotic surgery FAQs

If your doctor has recommended you have surgery, it’s natural to have questions – especially if you’re unfamiliar with the procedure. Take time to compare your surgical options, making sure you understand the benefits, risks and expected outcomes of each. 


Below we’ve answered frequently asked questions about minimally invasive and robotic surgery.

How Robotic Technology Is Changing Surgery

How Robotic Technology Is Changing Surgery

In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Carol Salem, MD, director of the Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Program at Scripps, about the benefits of robotic surgery for patients and physicians alike. See the full story.

Types of robotic surgery at Scripps

Most of the minimally invasive robotic surgeries performed at Scripps use the da Vinci Surgical System. We offer dozens of procedures within the following specialties:



Scripps also offers other robot-assisted surgeries, using technology developed to treat specific medical conditions. These include:


Why choose Scripps for robotic surgery

The Scripps Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Program offers the ideal combination of experience and expertise.

Robotic surgery locations at Scripps

No matter where you live in San Diego, innovative surgical options are within reach. Minimally invasive robotic surgery is offered at Scripps Health locations throughout the county: