Bismarck expands robotic surgery with addition of daVinci 5
Sept. 23, 2026
Contact:
Chelsey Kralicek
Sanford Health Media Relations
701-516-4903 / Chelsey.Kralicek@SanfordHealth.org
BISMARCK, N.D. — Sanford Bismarck is continuing its commitment to advanced surgical care with the addition of the da Vinci 5 Surgical System, the most advanced and integrated robotic-assisted surgery platform.
The new system is scheduled to arrive at Sanford Bismarck on Oct. 3. Following installation, surgeons and operating room staff will complete specialized training before patient procedures begin on the new platform. The da Vinci 5 will be added to the existing robotic surgery equipment and will not replace current technology, helping meet growing demand for robotic-assisted procedures across multiple surgical specialties.
“As more surgeons incorporate robotic-assisted techniques into their practice, it is important that we continue investing in technologies that help expand patient access to minimally invasive surgical options,” said Jackie Farland, vice president of operations, Sanford Bismarck. “The addition of the da Vinci 5 reinforces our commitment to providing patients with access to the latest surgical advancements available.”
One of the most significant innovations of the da Vinci 5 is Force Feedback technology, which allows surgeons to sense push and pull forces at the instrument tip during surgery. This enhanced capability can help surgeons better gauge tissue interaction and perform delicate surgical tasks with greater precision.
Additional advancements include:
- Enhanced 3D vision with improved image quality, color and resolution
- A redesigned surgeon console offering greater ergonomic comfort during procedures
- Significantly increased computing power to support advanced software capabilities and future innovations
- Data-driven performance insights that support training, quality improvement and surgical excellence
- Integrated operating room technologies designed to streamline workflow and efficiency
- Compatibility with many existing da Vinci Xi instruments and workflows, helping facilitate a smooth transition
Robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive approach that enables surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions using advanced instruments and high-definition visualization. Potential patient benefits may include less pain, smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, depending on the procedure and individual patient.
All surgeons within Sanford Bismarck have the capability to utilize robotic-assisted surgical technology, allowing the organization to continue expanding access to advanced surgical care throughout the region.
“The demand for robotic surgery continues to grow as more surgeons recognize the benefits of these advanced platforms to enable them to offer complex procedures through small incisions,” said Joshua J. Knudson, M.D. “Adding the da Vinci 5 positions us to serve more patients in a manner that often means less pain and faster recovery while supporting innovation, training and excellence in surgical care.”
For more information about robotic-assisted surgery services at Sanford Health, visit SanfordHealth.org.
The Sanford Health Bismarck Region provides healthcare to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 26 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience and providing access to world-class healthcare in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 60,000 employees and serves more than 2.5 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 60 hospitals, 315 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,900 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. Nearly 450 residents and fellows are trained each year through over 40 graduate medical education programs, with Sanford Health serving as the primary funding source for 75% of the programs. Sanford Health also includes 92 retail pharmacies, including Sanford and Lewis Drug pharmacies with locations in 6 states, and more than 300 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural healthcare across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
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