Robotic Surgery of the Kidney, Bladder, and Prostate.

Robot-assisted surgery offers the advantages of a minimally invasive approach with greater technical ease and a shorter learning curve than pure laparoscopy. Fueled by the success of the robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, urologists are increasingly using the robotic platform for other advanced operations involving the kidney, ureters, bladder, and prostate. Robotic surgery has been shown to be safe and effective, with good perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes. Although cost continues to be a major concern regarding the use of robotic technology, improved efficiency and reduced hospital stays associated with the minimally invasive approach are allowing for better cost-effectiveness.