PHOENIX (July 27, 2026) – Banner Health has secured its position among an elite group of health systems nationally trained in transformative leaps in robotic surgical techniques. These advanced, minimally invasive procedures eliminate the need for multiple incision points, delivering faster recovery and reduced post-operative pain for patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the single incision robotic technique for general surgery and breast procedures in 2025, representing a meaningful advancement in minimally invasive surgery that positions Banner at the forefront of patient-centered surgical care.
Banner Health’s national recognition stems from having two surgeons trained on the newly approved robotic options of less than 35 in the entire United States. As the only two breast and general surgeons in Arizona selected for the advanced training in these innovative techniques, Banner demonstrates its commitment to bringing world-class surgical innovation directly to the communities it serves.
Revolutionizing breast surgery with enhanced recovery and cosmetic outcomes
The advanced single port robotic assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy, now being performed at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, provides patients with more discreet incisions and superior cosmetic preservation compared to traditional mastectomy. These precisely placed, minimal incisions, often lateral or hidden within the axillary fold, deliver measurably better outcomes: reduced scarring, faster healing and greater confidence in life after cancer.
The robotic surgery is performed by Brittany Murphy, MD, a surgical oncologist at Banner MD Anderson, who is one of just 13 breast oncologists trained nationally to perform this advanced procedure.
“I am honored to bring this groundbreaking surgical advancement to Arizona and to play a role in giving our breast cancer patients a greater quality of life,” said Dr. Murphy. “From the significant advantages of improved scar concealment to superior nerve preservation, this minimally invasive option delivers select patients faster recovery times, reduced pain, and improved breast reconstructive outcomes. Bringing Arizona patients the same caliber of care available at only the nation’s most advanced centers is incredibly rewarding.”
Transforming general surgery: fewer incisions, superior results
Banner’s surgical innovation extends beyond oncology. Jennifer Preston, MD, general surgery residency program director at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, is the only general surgeon in Arizona, and one of 20 nationally, trained in inguinal herniaCaptipon and cholecystectomy procedures using the single incision robotic technique. These innovative procedures allow surgeries that traditionally require three to four incisions to be completed through a single incision. This approach gives surgeons greater flexibility in incision placement, including discreet locations low on the abdomen or within the belly button, resulting in minimal visible scarring. For gallbladder removal procedures, Dr. Preston can now remove the gallbladder without needing to enlarge the incision. The technique also expands access to minimally invasive robotic surgery to more patients by providing additional surgical approaches.
"What excites me most about this technology is how it expands what I can offer patients through minimally invasive surgery," said Dr. Preston. "Historically, hernia repairs and gallbladder removals required either multiple small incisions or a single larger incision. With this advanced approach, I can now perform many of these procedures through a single small incision, while maintaining flexibility in incision placement to minimize visible scarring. The result is less pain, a smoother recovery, and a faster return to normal daily activities. I strongly believe this technique represents the future of minimally invasive surgery, and Banner Health is leading the way."
Banner Health: a national leader in multi-specialty surgical innovation
Both procedures were approved by the FDA in 2025. Prior to that, the use of a single port system was only approved for certain ENT, urology, thoracic and colorectal-related procedures. With Dr. Murphy and Dr. Preston’s training, Banner Health solidifies its position as a national leader in advanced robotic procedures across multiple specialties, distinguishing it from the vast majority of health systems nationwide.
"Innovation in surgical care is about much more than just technology. It’s about giving patients hope, confidence, and the best possible outcomes," said Nirav Patel, MD, medical director for surgical and procedural service for Banner Health. "Dr. Murphy and Dr. Preston represent the exceptional caliber of surgical expertise that defines Banner Health. Their training in these newly approved procedures ensures Arizonans have access to elite-level care, right here at home."
About Banner Health
Banner Health's mission is to make health care easier so life can be better. As one of the nation's largest fully integrated nonprofit health systems, we are pioneering a sustainable care model that prioritizes prevention, manages chronic disease, and reduces health spending – succeeding when patients stay healthy, not when they get sick. We operate 33 hospitals and more than 400 sites across six states, delivering seamless care from primary to quaternary medicine, including health insurance, physician networks, world-renowned specialty services, and behavioral health. Accountable to the communities we serve, we reinvest every dollar into advancing care, research, and facilities, providing more than $1 billion each year in community benefit. Through our partnership with the University of Arizona, we drive clinical discoveries across more than 800 trials and train more than 1,300 residents and fellows annually. Headquartered in Arizona, we serve Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. Our hospitals are consistently ranked among Arizona's top-performing by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/about.
Captions:
Robotic 4, from left to right: Elizabeth Bickle, PA-C; Chynna Liu, PA-C; Kaylee Krupp, RN; Brittany Murphy, MD; Christin Arevalo, surgical technologist
Robotic 3: Dr. Murphy at machine
Robotic team, from left to right: Rebecca Perez, RN; Erin Moran, Francesco Bianco, MD; Amanda Debartolo, RN; Jennifer Preston, MD; Julisssa Santoyo Espinoza, CST; Sarah Francoeur, RN, and Mary Roessler.
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