UNC’s SP program launched in 2020 and has rapidly grown into one of the country’s most advanced and high-volume clinical enterprises. Under the leadership of Dr. Marc Bjurlin, urologic oncologist and clinical champion of the SP technology at UNC, the program has evolved from early adoption to national leadership in surgical technique, clinical outcomes, and education. It represents one of several advanced surgical offerings within UNC Urology, expanding options for patients and referring physicians across North Carolina and beyond.
Annual SP case volume at UNC now exceeds 180 major procedures, with nearly 600 cases performed to date. The majority represent highly complex urologic oncology and reconstructive surgeries, including single-port radical prostatectomy, partial and radical nephrectomy, and advanced reconstructive procedures such as pyeloplasty.
Dedication to Innovation and Superior Patient Outcomes
“This designation reflects years of carefully planned, intentional growth and program refinement. The Single Port platform allows us to perform some of the most complex cancer and reconstructive surgeries through a single, small incision, often hidden within the umbilicus (navel). We’ve moved beyond evaluating feasibility, to surgical mastery, and we’re proud to help train surgeons from across the country.” – Dr. Bjurlin, Vice Chair of Research, Director of Clinical Trials, Associate Professor of Urology
About the New Designation
Observation Site status is reserved for programs demonstrating both high clinical volume and advanced technical expertise. Visiting surgeons will observe live SP procedures and engage in detailed technique review with UNC faculty, positioning UNC as a national training and referral hub for single-port robotic urologic surgery.
“This recognition reflects the uniquely collaborative culture across our surgical, nursing, and perioperative teams, for which UNC Urology is well recognized. Dr. Bjurlin’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing UNC as a model for building a high-performing, high-complexity SP program.” – Dr. Matt Raynor, Executive Vice Chair of Urology, Professor of Urology
With this designation, UNC continues to shape the practice of minimally invasive urologic surgery, expanding patient access to cutting-edge robotic care while setting new standards for single-port surgery in the Southeast and beyond.