Learn more about robotic and minimally invasive options for your next surgery.
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December 2025

From Head to Toe
Our Surgical Teams Have You Covered

General, brain and spine, gastrointestinal, vascular, and more -- our experienced, compassionate surgical teams provide a full range of surgeries. In fact, there are nearly 1,000 surgeries at Valley each month!

 

Read on to learn more about surgery at Valley, hear first-hand from patients, and get to know programs that can support you before surgery and during your recovery.

Inside an operating room at Valley

Robotic Precision, Human Touch

Robotic surgery is transforming how surgical procedures are performed, offering enhanced precision, smaller incisions, and quicker recovery times. Valley has a comprehensive robotic surgery program providing advanced surgical care.

 

In this video, Heather Wheeler, MD, general surgeon and medical director of the operating rooms, and Greta Bernier, MD, colorectal surgeon and medical director of the robotic surgery program, take us through a demonstration of how robotic surgery works and its benefits for patients. 

Robotic_Surgery_Demo

An Accredited Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery 

Our status as an accredited Center of Excellence from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) means that Valley has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. Patients can take comfort in knowing that we have received third-party verification for our exceptional patient care efforts. 

Learn more about our accreditation. 

Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence
Learn more about robotic surgery at Valley.

From a Patient's Perspective

Thank you to Janette, Alan, Debbie, and Michael for sharing their surgical experiences with us! Click on each image to hear their stories. 

Janette

Janette was diagnosed with endometrial cancer after noticing abnormal postmenopausal bleeding. Under the care of Ron Swensen, MD, gynecologic oncologist at Valley's Oncology & Hematology Clinic, she had a minimally invasive hysterectomy using robotic surgery. 

Debbie

After opting for a home Cologuard test, Debbie received a positive result. A follow up colonoscopy with Joseph Roberts, MD, a gastroenterologist, confirmed she had colon cancer. Colorectal surgeon Greta Bernier, MD, successfully performed minimally invasive robotic surgery, significantly aiding Debbie's recovery and return to every day life. 

Alan

For a decade, Alan suffered with sharp back and leg pain that kept him awake most nights. An MRI after a car accident revealed a rare tumor in his spine causing his long-term pain. Hear Alan and his neurosurgeon, David Lundin, MD, talk about this discovery, the surgery and recovery, and how Alan is active now. 

Michael-1

After a long post-surgery recovery, Michael developed a large hernia in his abdomen and was told by a doctor at another hospital he'd need three surgeries to correct the condition. After getting a second opinion from Wayne Lau, MD, with Valley's General & Specialty Surgery Clinic, Dr. Lau told him that only one comprehensive surgery was needed.

Surgery Spotlight: Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS)

MIGS-Surgery

Providers at Valley Women's Healthcare clinics provide care in gynecological health issues for women of all ages. Should surgery or a gynecological procedure be necessary, our staff includes gynecologic physicians and surgeons experienced in minimally-invasive and robotic surgery approaches for a variety of conditions including:

  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Precancerous growths (polyps)
Learn more about MIGS.

NEW on the We Are Valley Podcast

Gynecologic surgeons Eric Schmit, DO, and Olga Valieva, DO, sit down with host Alex McGuire to discuss MIGS at Valley. 

WAVPodcast
Listen to the podcast.

In case you missed it:  Watch Dr. Schmit's and Dr. Valieva's DocTalk chat on hysterectomy surgery options. 

How Lifestyle Medicine Enhances Your Surgical Journey

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Increasingly, healthcare professionals are turning to lifestyle medicine--with a focus on exercise, nutrition counseling, diabetes management, and physical therapy--to help patients strengthen their health before surgery and regain function more effectively after. In this article on the We Are Valley Blog, Thomas Hammett, DPT, Director of Operations at Valley's Lifestyle Medicine clinics, explains how Lifestyle Medicine enhances the surgical experience. 

Read the article on the We Are Valley Blog.

Pre-Op Prep: Handy Resources for Before Your Surgery

Valley Emergency Department Entrance and South Tower

🏥 Are you or a loved one having surgery at Valley soon? Check out our Surgery Guide for information on things to know and do before your procedure.  

 

Additionally, make sure to review and follow all pre-procedure communications from your provider. 

⭐  I have an appointment at the STAR Clinic. What is that?
Your provider may want you to visit with a nurse at Valley's STAR Clinic before your surgery. STAR stands for "Surgical Testing and Registration". At this appointment, the perioperative nurse will ask you health questions, perform a basic physical exam, and may collect blood or other samples from you. The nurse will also any questions you may have. 

Learn more about what to expect from your STAR Clinic appointment. 

In Case You Missed It...

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A stronger Valley means a stronger South King County community. Thank you for approving Hospital Prop 1. We're grateful for your trust and support. 

WAVPodcast

Triage, Trauma, and Teamwork: Inside Valley's Emergency Department and Level III Trauma Center
Listen to the podcast. 

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Valley Medical Center, 400 S. 43rd St., Renton, WA 98055

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