Intuitive Surgical lifts 2026 outlook for da Vinci robot procedure growth

Intuitive Surgical raised its 2026 forecast for growth in procedures using its da Vinci robotic systems, boosted by strength in general surgeries in the U.S. That momentum is expected to offset potential pressure from cuts to Affordable Care Act premium subsidies and policy changes in global markets.

Intuitive revised its full-year forecast upward after posting da Vinci procedure growth of about 16% in the first quarter. CEO Dave Rosa, on a Tuesday earnings call, said a 31% rise in after-hours procedures and higher overall utilization of its systems fueled growth in the U.S.

The company’s shares rose nearly 8% Wednesday morning.

First-quarter da Vinci procedures were up 14% in the U.S. and 19% outside the country, where continued strength in general surgery and gynecology is expanding adoption of the robot beyond urology. However, growth outside the U.S. was below prior quarters, Rosa said, in part due to greater domestic competition and pricing pressure in China. In addition, procedure growth in Japan remained below historical levels following fewer system placements in 2025. 

William Blair analyst Brandon Vazquez said Intuitive’s U.S. business continues to benefit from higher use of its latest model robot, the da Vinci 5, combined with newer procedures such as appendectomies.

“Internationally, despite budget and competitive concerns, the company is seeing strong demand and growth, especially in parts of Europe benefiting from the expanding launch of DV5,” Vazquez wrote in a note to clients Wednesday.

The robotic surgery market leader now expects worldwide da Vinci procedures to increase by a rate of about 13.5% to 15.5%, up from the company’s previous forecast for approximately 13% to 15% growth. In 2025, procedures grew 18%.

Update on cyberattack

Intuitive also provided an update on a cyberattack that hit the company in the first quarter. The incident has now been contained, the company said, and customers have been notified. Intuitive products were not affected, and operations were not disrupted, but the incident resulted in unauthorized access to some customer business and contact information, as well as Intuitive employee and corporate data.

The cyber incident did not have a significant impact on first quarter financial results, Intuitive said. The company is taking steps to further strengthen its cybersecurity protocols.

Intuitive first disclosed the phishing incident on March 12.

Also on the earnings call, Intuitive announced that Myriam Curet will retire after more than 20 years as chief medical officer. Jaime Wong, a urologist with more than a decade of experience at Intuitive, has been promoted to fill the position.