One Case at a Time: Jeff Rentz, MD, Reaches 1,000 Robotic Surgeries

When Jeff Rentz, MD, general surgeon and medical director of the Robotic Surgery Program at St. Vincent, recently completed his 1,000th robotic-assisted surgery, the milestone nearly snuck up on him.

"I haven't really considered it until recently," he says. "I just did one case at a time. I'm thinking about how I got to this point and all that I learned along the way."

That steady, case-by-case focus has defined not just Dr. Rentz's practice, but the program he's built. Grounded in precision, preparation, and a commitment to continuous learning, the program has made a real difference for patients. For him, robotic surgery isn't about the technology. Instead, it's about what the technology makes possible for his patients: less pain, faster recovery, and more time at home.

"Getting the best outcomes from surgery means the surgeon must see the anatomy and manipulate it gently," he says. "The robot is simply a translator. It shows me the anatomy in 3D, 10x magnification, high-definition vision with minimal disruption of healthy tissue, then scales my movements to the precise instruments that dissect and suture the tissue."

Behind every case is an exceptional OR team: surgical techs, nurses, anesthesia providers, sterile processing, pre-op and PACU caregivers, and robotics coordinators. Dr. Rentz is quick to acknowledge their expertise and effort. 

"We are united in the goal of providing the best care for our patients," he says. "I cannot thank them enough for thousands of hours of their skill, knowledge, attention, and care. I wish everyone could work with people who make each other's jobs so rewarding and enjoyable."

St. Vincent holds the only Center of Excellence designation in Robotic Surgery in Montana and Wyoming. That recognition reflects the team's commitment to measuring their outcomes against the best programs in the country. For patients across the region, it means access to world-class surgical care close to home, surrounded by family and community.

"This program was built by Montanans at St. Vincent," Dr. Rentz says.