Banner Health hospitals in Northern Colorado receive new fleet of state-of-the-art robots for complex gynecologic and abdominal surgeries

GREELEY, Colo. (April 13, 2026) – Banner Health is expanding access to cutting-edge robotic surgery across Northern Colorado and throughout the Banner Health system with the introduction of the da Vinci 5 system, created by Intuitive. The upgraded technology, now available at Banner Fort Collins Medical Center, North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) in Greeley and North Colorado Medical Center – Loveland Campus, enhances clinical excellence and reduces recovery times for a broad range of minimally invasive procedures for patients.

As a non-profit health system, Banner is driven to provide access to high-quality, affordable care to the communities it serves. The systemwide da Vinci upgrade is one of the largest investments by any health system in the nation – reinforcing Banner’s nonprofit mission to reinvest every dollar back into exceptional patient care.

“We’re proud to offer this next-generation robotic technology to patients in Northern Colorado,” said John Crane, MD, a leader in robotic surgery at Banner Health in Northern Colorado. “The da Vinci 5 provides greater precision and better visualization, which makes a huge difference in complex gynecologic and abdominal surgeries. It also allows us to train surgeons on robotic surgery through virtual observations and real-time teaching, which is critical for bringing up doctors in this innovative technique.”

Dr. Crane, who has been using robotic systems since 2009, notes that the da Vinci 5 is particularly beneficial for hysterectomies, sacrocolpopexies, hernia repairs and abdominal surgeries, as well as more specialized procedures like prostatectomies and nephrectomies.

This new robotic system is one of the most advanced available, offering improved artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, faster docking times and enhanced force-feel technology, which helps surgeons apply just the right amount of pressure during delicate procedures. But while the advancements are improving outcomes for patients, robotic surgery still very much involves the expertise of a trained surgeon.

“Robotic surgery does not mean we type in ‘robotic hysterectomy’ and walk away to grab a snack,” Dr. Crane said. “The surgeon is always actively involved in the procedure. The robot is a tool that reduces the invasiveness of a procedure and has tremendous teaching and documentation capabilities. All surgeons take to robotic surgery differently, but Banner has been blessed with really excellent robotic surgeons.”

NCMC’s Loveland campus is recognized nationally for having one of the top robotic programs in terms of efficiency, volume and outcomes in complex gynecologic and abdominal surgery. The expanded da Vinci 5 system allows Banner to continue leading in surgical excellence and improving patient care through innovation.
“This modernization of technology reflects Banner’s unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, safety, surgical excellence and innovation,” said Nirav Patel, MD, medical director for surgical and procedural services for Banner Health. “Innovation isn't just about technology; it's about transforming lives and experiences. Standardizing to this industry-leading technology reaffirms our dedication to optimizing surgical care through safety, precision, and efficiency.”

The systemwide upgrade is well underway and the full implementation of the da Vinci 5 system in Northern Colorado is complete, with over 100 successful cases performed at NCMC - Loveland Campus since the system’s installation in January 2026. Before the new models arrived, the previous models were in consistent rotation, with over 5,500 cases treated in Loveland alone since 2009. Banner Fort Collins Medical Center and NCMC in Greeley each have a da Vinci 5 model as well.

For more information about robotic-assisted surgery at Banner Health, visit www.bannerhealth.com/services/surgery/surgery-types/robotic-surgery.

About Banner Health
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.