10/12/2026
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — UPMC Trinity is celebrating a significant milestone in surgical innovation as Dr. Samuel Licata, a board-certified general surgeon and pioneer of robotic surgery at UPMC Trinity, recently completed his 1,500th robotic-assisted surgical procedure.
This achievement reflects more than a decade of commitment to advancing minimally invasive surgical care for patients throughout the Ohio Valley.
UPMC Trinity performed its first robotic surgery in March 2013. Dr. Licata, alongside fellow surgeon, the late Dr. Patrick Macedonia, helped establish and grow the program after recognizing the technology's potential to improve patient outcomes while enhancing surgical precision.
"From the beginning, the goal was simple: provide patients with the benefits of minimally invasive surgery and help them recover faster," said Dr. Licata. "Whether it was my first robotic case or my 1,500th, that mission has never changed."
Robotic-assisted surgery offers several advantages for patients, including less pain, smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. The technology provides surgeons with magnified, high-definition visualization and wristed instruments capable of a greater range of motion than the human hand, allowing for precise dissection and control during complex procedures.
Over the years, Dr. Licata has used robotic technology to perform a wide range of procedures, including hernia repairs, colon resections, gallbladder surgery, gastric surgery, and splenectomies. The robotic surgery program at UPMC Trinity has expanded to support multiple specialties, including general surgery, gynecology, and urology.
One case that stands out for Dr. Licata involved a complex colon resection that likely would have required a traditional open operation. Instead, robotic technology allowed the procedure to be completed minimally invasively, enabling the patient to return home after just two days in the hospital rather than the seven to 10 days often associated with open surgery.
"Those are the moments that remind you why embracing new technologies matters," said Dr. Licata. "Being able to offer patients a less invasive option with a quicker recovery can make a tremendous difference in their lives."
The technology also has transformed the operating experience for surgeons. Unlike traditional surgery, robotic-assisted procedures are performed from a nearby console where the surgeon controls every movement of the robotic instruments. The system enhances precision while improving ergonomics for the surgeon.
Dr. Licata noted that some patients initially expressed concern that a robot is performing the operation independently.
"That's a common misconception," he said. "The robot never acts on its own. The surgeon is in complete control at all times, and the system is designed so nothing moves unless the surgeon is actively operating it."
Advances in robotic technology continue to create new opportunities for patient care. Enhanced imaging features, including fluorescence-guided visualization, help surgeons more clearly identify anatomy and evaluate blood flow during procedures. Future developments are expected to further improve instrumentation, visualization, and surgical efficiency.
Despite the sophisticated technology, Dr. Licata emphasizes that robotic surgery does not replace the personal connection between physician and patient.
"The robot is simply another tool," he said. "The compassion, communication, and trust that patients expect from their surgeon remain exactly the same."
As robotic surgery continues to evolve, Dr. Licata encourages the next generation of physicians to embrace innovation and pursue training in emerging technologies.
"Medicine is always advancing," he said. "Learning new techniques and adapting to change are essential to providing the best possible care for our patients."
Today, 13 years after helping launch the program, Dr. Licata's 1,500th robotic surgery serves as a milestone not only for his career, but also for the continued growth of advanced surgical care at UPMC Trinity.
Photo (click for high-resolution version)
Caption: Samuel Licata, M.D., general surgeon at UPMC Trinity
Credit: UPMC Trinity
