Urologic Robotic Surgery

Urologic Robotic Surgery at UCLA

The robotic surgeons at UCLA offer a collaborative approach to treating urologic cancers and benign conditions. Any surgery that involves the delicate nerves, anatomy and function of the urologic system requires precision and experience. Our urologic robotic surgeons have performed more than 4,000 of these complex surgeries using the robot, dating back to 2004, and are among the most experienced robotic surgeons in the nation.

UCLA robotic surgeons have pioneered and published techniques to improve erectile function (describing landmarks for nerve-sparing and eliminating stretch injury of the nerves) and urinary continence (bladder neck sparing, selective suture ligation and intussusception)as well the technique of image-guided surgery to improve cancer and functional outcomes. Additionally, UCLA robotic surgeons have published techniques on robotic assisted partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer and robotic assisted nephroureterectomy  for upper tract urothelial cancers. We were among the first to perform robotic assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, robotic simple prostatectomy for benign prostatic hypertrophy and female reconstructive surgery.

Meet our urologic robotic surgeons

Urologic Robotic Surgery for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

The benefits of robotic surgery for these delicate areas are tremendous. Many men are concerned about the likelihood of preserving sexual function and urinary control during robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. The type of prostate cancer you have will influence your robotic surgeon’s approach, and he or she will discuss all aspects of your treatment with you.

A significant advantage of treatment at UCLA is that we are the first group in the country to publish on how integrating MRI imaging with robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy improves patient decision-making. We are also pioneering the use of fluorescence to identify prostate cancer during lymph node dissection to improve cancer control. These approaches contribute to being cancer free while preserving quality of life and preventing erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

An added benefit of having robotic surgery at UCLA for prostate cancer is the comprehensive specialty teams of medical and radiation oncologists (doctors who specialize in cancer). Working in teams to provide the best possible care, based on the latest research and cutting-edge approaches to treating prostate cancer, you can expert an unparalleled patient experience. Moreover, our umbrella of experts across prostate cancer specialties allows us to provide cutting-edge clinical trials for advanced prostate cancer.

Urologic Robotic Surgeries at UCLA

Our doctors use the da Vinci robot to treat the following urologic conditions:

Cancers

• Prostate cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Adrenal cancer
• Testicular

Urologic Conditions

• Female incontinence
• Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction
• Vesicoureteral reflux
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement)
• Ureteral stricture (obstruction)

Learn more about robotic surgery

Is da Vinci surgery right for me?

Only an experienced UCLA urologic robotic surgeon can help you determine if robotic surgery is right for you. Your doctor will discuss all of your treatment options with you and help you understand the benefits robotic surgery may have for you. Alternatively, if it is in your best interest to either have another surgical approach or medical treatment, we will comprehensively personalize the treatment to tailor your individual needs.

Contact Us

Phone: 800-UCLA-MD1 (or 310-825-2631)