How robotic and minimally invasive surgery is reshaping modern urology care

Over the last two decades, surgery has undergone a quiet revolution. Procedures that once required large cuts, long hospital stays, and weeks of recovery are now being performed through tiny keyhole incisions—sometimes with the help of robots. In urology, the branch of medicine that deals with the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and urinary system, this shift toward robotic and minimally invasive surgery is transforming patient care.

From big incisions to keyhole surgery

Traditionally, urological operations such as prostate removal, kidney surgery, or surgeries for bladder cancer involved large open incisions. While effective, these surgeries often meant more pain, higher blood loss, visible scars, and prolonged recovery.

Minimally invasive surgery changed this approach. Using small incisions and a camera, surgeons can operate with far less disruption to the body. Robotic surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery, where the surgeon uses a computer-assisted robotic system to perform highly precise movements.

It is important to understand that the robot does not operate on its own. The surgeon is fully in control at all times. The robotic system simply translates the surgeon’s hand movements into extremely fine, steady actions inside the patient’s body.

Why robotics matters to patients

From a patient’s perspective, the benefits of robotic and minimally invasive urological surgery are significant:

• Smaller cuts and less pain after surgery
• Reduced blood loss and lower chances of needing transfusion
• Shorter hospital stay, often just 1–3 days
• Faster return to daily activities and work
• Better precision, especially in delicate areas like nerves and blood vessels

For conditions such as prostate cancer, kidney tumors, and reconstructive urinary surgery, this precision can make a real difference in outcomes such as urinary control and sexual function.

Common urological procedures done robotically

Today, robotic and minimally invasive techniques are commonly used for:

• Prostate surgery (especially prostate cancer)
• Kidney surgery, including tumor removal and donor nephrectomy
• Bladder surgery for selected cancers
• Reconstructive surgeries, such as repairing blockages in the urinary tract

In many of these procedures, robotic surgery has become the preferred approach in advanced centers worldwide.

Is robotic surgery for everyone?

While robotic surgery offers many advantages, it may not be suitable for every patient. Factors such as the type and stage of disease, previous surgeries, overall health, and cost considerations all play a role. A well-trained surgeon will always recommend the most appropriate approach—robotic, minimally invasive, or open—based on what is safest and most effective for the individual patient.

It is also important to note that the experience of the surgeon is crucial. Technology enhances skill, but it cannot replace it.

Adoption in India: Steady and promising

In India, the adoption of robotic urological surgery has steadily increased over the past decade. Many tertiary care hospitals now offer robotic programs, and Indian surgeons are gaining international recognition for their expertise. As technology becomes more accessible and training expands, more patients are benefiting from these advances closer to home.

The Ramaiah Memorial Hospital Robotic Surgery Centre has been providing cutting edge world class surgical treatment not only in the field of urology, but also in surgical oncology, gynaecology, pediatric surgery and general surgery. 

The Urology department has also now started the Robotic Renal Transplant program for chronic kidney disease patients undergoing live related renal transplant. 

Looking ahead

Robotic and minimally invasive surgery represent a shift toward kinder, more patient-centered care. As technology continues to evolve, surgeries will become even more precise, recovery even quicker, and outcomes even better.

For patients facing urological surgery, this means a future where treatment is not only about curing disease, but also about preserving quality of life. And that, perhaps, is the greatest success of this surgical revolution.