A conversation with SIS President Michael McDonald, MD, about histotripsy, the evolution of incisionless treatment, and the vision behind the Society of Incisionless Surgery.
How is surgery evolving beyond traditional open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches?
In this episode of the Society of Robotic Surgery Podcast, host Sue O’Sullivan speaks with Michael McDonald, MD, President of the Society of Incisionless Surgery, about the emergence of incisionless treatment and the technologies helping make it possible.
Dr. McDonald explains how nonthermal histotripsy uses precisely delivered pulses of ultrasound energy to target tissue without heat, ionizing radiation, or a traditional surgical incision. He also discusses the evolving clinical landscape across liver, kidney, and pancreatic disease, as well as the potential role of advanced imaging and artificial intelligence in supporting future treatment planning and delivery.
The conversation also introduces the Society of Incisionless Surgery and its mission to bring together surgeons, physicians, scientists, engineers, researchers, and innovators committed to advancing the field through evidence-based research, education, responsible innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
As SIS prepares for its formal inauguration and inaugural meeting on April 9–11, 2027, in Celebration, Florida, this conversation offers a concise introduction to the field and the professional community the Society is building.
Watch the full conversation below and learn more about the future of incisionless surgical science.