The Robotic Surgery Center at NYU Langone Medical Center recently completed its second year offering monthly robotic surgery education sessions for minimally invasive robotic procedures. Michael Stifelman, MD, director of the Robotic Surgery Center teaches and moderates each seminar at NYU Langone using the latest technology in robotic surgery. The educational sessions offer an opportunity to educate surgeons in the U.S. and internationally about the advanced techniques used to perform robotic surgery.
"The surgeons at NYU Langone are leaders in performing minimally invasive robotic surgery. By educating other physicians and surgeons about the latest advances in robotic surgery, we are ultimately helping more patients who will benefit from this type of surgery," said Michael Stifelman, MD, associate professor, Department of Urology and Director of Robotic Surgery. "Performing surgery robotically represents the future for many specialty areas, as it is less invasive for the patient, so they are able to recover much more quickly and tend to have better outcomes."
During the education sessions, participants observe the surgery remotely via a HD teleconferencing system, which includes a high-definition video. Participants are able to watch the surgery in real-time as Dr. Stifelman explains the procedure he is performing and the techniques being used. The sessions are interactive and participants ask questions as they view the surgery. Surgeons in the U.S. and internationally from Germany, India, Singapore, Taiwan have participated in these sessions.
The most recent session focused on advanced robotic techniques for partial nephrectomy surgery. According to Dr. Stifelman, nearly 90 percent of partial nephrectomy surgeries are performed robotically at NYU Langone, compared to only 10 to 15 percent in the U.S. In a partial nephrectomy, the tumor is removed while the rest of the kidney is left intact and functioning. The superior maneuverability of a robotic tool is ideally suited for delicate cutting and stitching required in this surgery, while the minimally-invasive nature of the procedure is less traumatic, helps preserve kidney function and results in faster recovery time.
"As a pioneer in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy, it's rewarding to teach innovative techniques and best practices to leading surgeons around the world," said Dr. Stifelman. "The faculty at NYU Langone include some of the most experienced surgeons in the world who have pioneered innovative techniques in many areas. The adoption of robot-assisted technology truly represents a step forward in our field."
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