When it comes to surgical excellence, precision and innovation go hand in hand.
At Our Lady of the Lake Robotic Surgery Institute, Daryl Marx, MD, is redefining robotic-assisted surgery, setting new standards for precision and patient outcomes.
With more than 5,000 robotic procedures under his belt, Dr. Marx is a leader in minimally invasive surgery, using advanced robotic technology to improve outcomes, shorten recovery times and reduce complications for patients.
“This is where high-end robotic surgery happens every day,” Dr. Marx says. “We train experts here. We push the boundaries of what robotic surgery can do because we’re not satisfied with the status quo.”
Why Robotic Surgery is the Future of Safer, Faster Healing
Robotic-assisted surgery isn’t just a new way of performing procedures — it’s a transformational approach to surgery itself.
Using the da Vinci Surgical System, Dr. Marx and his colleagues at Our Lady of the Lake have access to enhanced 3D imaging, increased dexterity and unmatched precision. Unlike traditional open or laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted techniques allow surgeons to make smaller incisions, minimize blood loss and reduce hospital stays.
“We’ve gone from week-long hospital stays to patients going home the same day — eating, recovering, and with minimal pain,” Dr. Marx explains. “That’s the power of robotics.”
With robotic systems surgeons gain an unparalleled level of control.
“Imagine trying to perform delicate surgery while someone else controls the camera for you,” Dr. Marx says. “With robotics, I control everything in real time — it’s an extension of my hands.”
This refined control and enhanced visualization allow surgeons to tackle complex procedures, from bariatric and gastrointestinal surgeries to cancer resections, hernia repairs and urologic procedures.
The Next Era of Surgical Innovation
Robotic-assisted surgery is already a game-changer, but artificial intelligence (AI) is set to push innovation even further. Dr. Marx predicts that AI and real-time imaging advancements will revolutionize how procedures are performed.
“We’re on the verge of being able to overlay a patient’s CT scan onto their anatomy in real time,” he says. “That means we’ll know exactly where every blood vessel and tumor is — no guessing, no instinct, just complete precision.”
AI-driven systems will also provide instant feedback to surgeons, tracking their techniques, analyzing their movements, and offering suggestions for optimization.
“Imagine getting a real-time analysis of your technique based on 35,000 prior surgeries,” Dr. Marx says. “It’s going to make surgeons better, faster and even safer.”
Additionally, tele-proctoring — real-time surgical mentoring from anywhere in the world — will help train the next generation of experts.
“If a surgeon at another hospital needs help, I can log in from my office and guide them through the procedure in real time,” Dr. Marx explains. “This is where surgical training is headed, and Our Lady of the Lake is leading the way.”
From the OR to the BBQ Pit
For Dr. Marx, precision doesn’t stop at the operating table. When he’s not performing cutting-edge robotic surgery, he’s perfecting the craft of barbecue.
“Barbecue is like surgery — it’s a balance of science, technique and patience,” he says. “I love experimenting with different flavors, smoking techniques and learning from the best in the business.”
His obsession with nuanced, slow-cooked perfection has even led him to explore pop-up catering events and tasting sessions.
“I’m always looking for taste testers,” he says with a laugh. “My wife is tired of it, but I’m still perfecting my process.”
A New Standard of Surgical Excellence
At Our Lady of the Lake Robotic Surgery Institute, robotic-assisted surgery isn’t just an option for the future — it’s available today. With leaders like Dr. Marx pushing the boundaries of innovation, patients can expect the highest level of expertise, precision and care.
“At the end of the day, this is all about the patient,” he says. “We’re constantly evolving because we want the best outcomes, the fastest recoveries and the safest surgeries possible.”
