Dr SzepesváryUrology patient guide
Robotic surgery

Robotic surgery in urology — what does it really mean?

Robotic surgery does not mean that a machine operates independently. The surgeon controls every movement; the system provides magnified vision and finely controlled instruments.

Last updated: October 2026

A robotic surgical system is a high-precision surgical tool. In urology it can be helpful when cancer removal must be combined with careful preservation or reconstruction of surrounding structures.

What does the surgeon do, and what does the robot do?

The surgeon uses a console to directly control instruments attached to robotic arms. The robot does not make independent decisions, does not operate by itself and does not replace surgical judgement or experience.

Robotic surgical system in an operating theatre

Why can robot-assisted surgery be useful?

  • magnified three-dimensional surgical view
  • fine instruments with a wide range of motion
  • precise dissection in confined anatomical spaces
  • minimally invasive access
  • the possibility of favourable early recovery in selected procedures

The magnitude of these benefits is not the same for every patient, and technology alone does not determine the surgical result.

Multiport and single-port robotic surgery – what is the difference?

“Robotic surgery” does not refer to a single technical setup. Current systems include multiport and single-port (SP) platforms. Both are fully controlled by the surgeon, but they reach the operative field in different ways.

Multiport system

  • the camera and instruments enter through several separate abdominal ports
  • the robot uses multiple independent instrument arms
  • the architecture provides broad anatomical access and flexibility across different operative directions
  • it is an established approach across a wide range of urological robotic procedures

Single-port (SP) system

  • the camera and several wristed instruments pass through one main access port
  • a single robotic arm introduces the instrument channel, with the instruments articulating separately inside the body
  • can be particularly valuable with compact or alternative access routes, for example in certain peritoneum-sparing urological procedures
  • it requires different operative planning and specific technical expertise
Single-port surgery is not simply “the same operation through fewer cuts”. It is a different robotic platform and access strategy. Whether a multiport or single-port approach is appropriate depends on the procedure, the patient's anatomy, tumour characteristics, local system availability and the surgeon's experience. Neither platform is universally better for every situation.

Robot-assisted prostate surgery

The magnified view and fine instruments can support precise dissection around the prostate. The extent of nerve sparing, however, must always be guided by tumour location and extent.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Robot-assisted kidney surgery

The technology can be especially useful for partial nephrectomy, where precise tumour excision may need to be followed by reconstruction of the remaining kidney.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

Myth or reality?

Myth
“The robot performs the operation.”Reality

The surgeon performs the operation. The system translates the surgeon's movements to the instruments and makes no independent decisions.

Myth
“Robotic surgery is always better.”Reality

The appropriate approach depends on the disease, the patient's condition and the surgical strategy.

Myth
“Robotic surgery has no complications.”Reality

It is still surgery and therefore carries risks. Precision technology does not eliminate complications.

Myth
“The robot guarantees a better outcome.”Reality

Outcomes depend on patient selection, strategy, surgical experience and disease characteristics together.

Is everyone suitable for robotic surgery?

Not necessarily. Tumour size and location, previous operations, comorbidities and anatomical factors can all influence the decision.

The decision should start with the patient, not the technology. Robotic surgery adds value when it genuinely supports a safe and precise operation in the individual situation.

This information is general and does not replace an individual medical examination or personalised treatment recommendation.

If robotic surgery has been suggested

A useful next step is to understand why this approach is being considered in your case, what alternatives exist and which outcomes matter most.

Questions to prepare