Stanford Plastic Surgery Introduces Microsurgical Robotic System into Clinical and Training Settings

The Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford is bringing robotic microsurgery into the operating room and the training lab.

Using the Symani Surgical System, the team has completed 28 procedures across pediatric and adult patients, including breast reconstruction free flap, lymphatic free flap and bypass reconstruction, and pediatric central lymphatic reconstruction. Among them: robotic lymphatic reconstruction in a pediatric patient, one of the earliest reported cases of its kind.

"The robotic system allows us to enhance precision, reduce tremor, and operate with a level of control beyond the human hand alone," says Dr. Dung Nguyen, Clinical Associate Professor and Microsurgery Fellowship Director.

Cadaver laboratory sessions have provided an opportunity for faculty and trainees to gain experience with the robot and assess its integration into existing microsurgical workflows.

"By integrating this technology with clinical expertise, we're able to perform surgeries of greater scope and complexity than before — ultimately improving outcomes," said Dr. Nguyen.

For patients facing complex reconstructive needs, Stanford's integration of the Symani Surgical System represents a meaningful expansion of what reconstructive treatment can look like.