Robotic Surgery in New York, NY
Robotic surgery has transformed the treatment of prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers. Using the da Vinci surgical system, a skilled surgeon can operate through a few small incisions with magnified 3D vision and instruments that move with greater precision than the human hand. At Prostate Cancer 911, Dr. David Samadi has performed more than 10,000 robotic prostate surgeries and developed the SMART Surgery technique to help patients achieve excellent cancer control with a faster, more comfortable recovery.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon controls specialized instruments from a console in the operating room. The da Vinci system includes three main parts:
- The surgeon console, where the surgeon views a high-definition, three-dimensional image of the surgical field and controls the instruments with hand and foot controls
- The patient-side cart, which holds the robotic arms, camera, and wristed instruments
- The vision system, which provides magnification of 10 times or more for exceptional detail
The robot does not operate on its own. Every movement is directed by the surgeon in real time, with tremor filtering and wristed instruments that rotate beyond the range of a human wrist.
Why Would I Need Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery may be recommended for a variety of urologic conditions, including:
- Prostate cancer: Robotic radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and nearby tissue for men with localized disease.
- Bladder cancer: Robotic cystectomy removes the bladder for invasive tumors.
- Kidney cancer: Robotic partial or radical nephrectomy removes the tumor, often preserving healthy kidney tissue.
- Very large enlarged prostates: Robotic simple prostatectomy relieves severe obstruction.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
Compared with traditional open surgery, robotic surgery typically offers:
- Smaller incisions and less visible scarring
- Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
- Less postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stays, often just one night
- Faster return to normal activities
- Greater precision around delicate nerves and muscles that control continence and sexual function
What Happens During Robotic Surgery?
Before Surgery
You will meet with Dr. Samadi to review your diagnosis and imaging and complete pre-operative testing. Our team will provide detailed surgical instructions covering medications, diet, and what to bring.
During Surgery
You will be under general anesthesia. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen to place the camera and instruments. From the console, Dr. Samadi performs the procedure with magnified 3D vision. A robotic prostatectomy using SMART Surgery typically takes under two hours.
After Surgery
Most patients walk the same day and go home after a short hospital stay. After prostatectomy, a urinary catheter is usually kept in place for about one to two weeks. Many men return to light activity and desk work within a few weeks.
Why Experience Matters
Outcomes in robotic surgery are closely linked to surgeon experience. Dr. Samadi is trained in open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery and has performed more than 10,000 robotic prostate procedures, giving him the skill to handle complex anatomy and protect function. Learn about da Vinci robotic prostatectomy and Dr. Samadi, or call Prostate Cancer 911 at (212) 365-5000 to schedule a consultation.
Related Care and Resources at Prostate Cancer 911
Robotic Surgery FAQs
Does the robot perform the surgery?
No. The surgeon controls every movement of the instruments from a console. The robot translates the surgeon’s hand movements with greater precision and stability.
Is robotic surgery safe?
Robotic surgery is a well-established, widely used approach with a strong safety record. Outcomes depend heavily on the surgeon’s experience.
How long is the hospital stay after robotic prostatectomy?
Most patients stay one night in the hospital and go home the next day.
How long will I have a catheter after robotic prostatectomy?
A urinary catheter is usually kept in place for about one to two weeks while the bladder and urethra heal.
What are the advantages of robotic surgery over open surgery?
Robotic surgery typically means smaller incisions, less blood loss, less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery.
Can robotic surgery be used for bladder and kidney cancer?
Yes. Robotic techniques are used for cystectomy and partial or radical nephrectomy in appropriate patients.
How do I find out if I am a candidate for robotic surgery?
Call (212) 365-5000 or request an appointment to have Dr. Samadi review your case.
Schedule Your Consultation With NYC’s Leading Urologist
Take control of your health today. Whether you are seeking a second opinion or experiencing symptoms like hematuria, Dr. David Samadi and the team at Prostate Cancer 911 are here to provide world-class care in Midtown Manhattan.
Request an AppointmentOffice Location: 485 Madison Ave, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 365-5000