The Instituto Quirúrgico Lacy (IQL) is one of Europe’s leading surgical centers, based at Quirónsalud Barcelona Clinic. It specializes in minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, and innovative techniques designed to reduce surgical trauma and ensure faster recovery for patients.
Team and philosophy
Founded in 2007 by Professor Antonio de Lacy, an internationally recognized pioneer in laparoscopic and transanal surgery, IQL brings together specialists trained in top hospitals across the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Belgium.
The institute’s philosophy is based on technological innovation, scientific excellence, and personalized patient care.
Minimally invasive surgery
Over 90% of surgeries at IQL are performed using minimally invasive techniques:
- laparoscopic surgery,
- robotic surgery,
- NOTES (scarless surgery through natural orifices),
- TaTME (Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision).
Global leadership in TaTME
IQL is the world leader in TaTME, with more than 500 procedures performed. This technique offers maximum oncological safety in colorectal cancer while minimizing surgical impact and improving patient outcomes.
Robotic surgery
The institute was among the first in Spain to adopt robotic surgery systems for complex digestive pathologies.
Patient benefits include:
- less postoperative pain,
- shorter hospital stays,
- faster return to daily activities.
Areas of expertise
IQL performs surgeries across a wide range of specialties:
- Oncological surgery: colorectal, gastric, liver, pancreatic, and thyroid cancer.
- Digestive diseases: Crohn’s disease, colitis, diverticulosis.
- Proctology: fistulas, hemorrhoids, fissures.
- Bariatric and metabolic surgery, with personalized programs supported by genetic studies.
- Endocrine surgery: thyroid and parathyroid.
- Hernia and stenosis surgery.
Unique innovations
- First 5G-assisted telesurgery in the world.
- Pioneer in Spain in NOTES scarless surgery.
- Over 500 TaTME procedures, making IQL a global reference center.
- Integration of robotic surgery and artificial intelligence.
Research and training
Professor Antonio de Lacy is the founder of AIS Channel, the world’s largest online surgical education platform. IQL actively participates in international congresses, publishes in leading medical journals, and collaborates with top universities and research centers across Europe and the US.
What makes IQL unique
- Minimally invasive surgery as a standard of care.
- Global leader in colorectal surgery with TaTME.
- Constant innovation with robotic and 5G surgery.
- Expertise in bariatric and endocrine surgery.
- Strong educational mission positioning Barcelona as a hub of surgical innovation.
