Innovation matters when it comes to patient outcomes. That’s why, at NewYork-Presbyterian, we use the latest robotic surgery technologies to make smaller incisions and operate with more precision than ever before. A less invasive alternative to traditional surgery, robotic surgery can help minimize pain, reduce scarring and bleeding, and speed healing for patients.
Our highly trained surgeons from Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine are at the forefront of robotic techniques, offering simple to complex surgeries for a wide array of medical conditions. Whether you need prostate surgery, complex heart surgery, or a liver transplant, we have innovative solutions to make your procedure and recovery as comfortable as possible.
Robotic Surgery
Transforming the surgical experience through innovation
Advanced robotic surgery for better outcomes
Robotic-assisted procedures offered at most NewYork-Presbyterian locations
8,800+ robotic surgeries performed in 2024
Performed first fully robotic liver transplant in New York
Our robotic surgery team
When you come to us for surgery, you can trust that you’ll be in the hands of skilled providers at the top of their field. The robotic surgery team at NewYork-Presbyterian includes leading experts in subspecialties such as prostatectomy, mitral valve replacement, bariatrics, joint replacement, endocrine surgery, and more.
Our surgeons are committed to raising the standard of patient care through innovation. As one of the only New York programs to use robotics for heart surgery, and the first to perform a fully robotic liver transplant in the state, we prioritize minimally invasive approaches that shorten recovery and improve survival rates. We continue to advance cutting edge surgical procedures— such as single-port and robotic thyroid surgeries — that cause less pain and scarring.
What are the benefits of robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery allows doctors more precision, flexibility, and control when operating compared to traditional surgery techniques. This approach can have several benefits for both patients and providers, such as:
- Smaller incisions
- Less bleeding
- Reduced pain
- Lower risk of infection
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stays
Is robotic surgery performed by an actual robot?
No, a robot doesn’t perform the surgery on its own. A trained surgeon controls the robotic tools throughout the procedure in the same room as the patient.
How does robotic surgery work?
During robotic surgery, a surgeon will operate using a console with hand and foot controls to move robotic arms, which are equipped with tiny surgical instruments. These arms translate the surgeon’s movements into precise actions inside the patient’s body. A high-definition, 3D camera provides the doctor with a magnified view, allowing them a clear picture of delicate structures within the body. Additionally, the robot can integrate other images from patients' scans and technologies in real-time to enable more precise surgery and improved outcomes.
What procedures can be done with robotic surgery?
Robotic systems are used in a wide range of procedures, including urologic surgeries (like prostatectomy), gynecologic surgeries (such as hysterectomy), cardiac procedures (like mitral valve repair), and general surgeries (including colorectal, hernia, reflux, esophageal and gastric cancer, and bariatric operations). It’s also commonly used in thoracic and endocrine surgeries.
What are the risks of robotic surgery?
While generally safe, robotic surgery comes with risks similar to other surgical methods, such as infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. Not all patients are ideal candidates for robotic surgery. Talk to your provider to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.
How long will I stay in the hospital after a robotic surgery procedure?
Most patients undergoing robotic surgery can expect a shorter hospital stay—most patients go home the same day, depending on the procedure. With robotic approaches, most patients go home significantly faster than with conventional surgeries and get back to their lives sooner.
Does robotic surgery require special training?
Yes, surgeons must complete specialized training and certification to use robotic systems safely. This includes hands-on practice, simulation training, and supervised procedures. Hospitals also require ongoing education and credentialing to ensure surgeons maintain proficiency and stay updated on technological advancements.
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