Robotic Urology surgery’s era

Last updated: April 29, 2026

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Robotic Urology surgery had been gained more reputation now a day, which is already claiming as a gold standard in many urological surgeries; such as robotic prostatectomy. Today we will be diving in the whole story of robotic urology surgery – history, utilization, pros, and cons and projecting the future of robotic urology surgery.

• Urology center Bangkok hospital Thailand Booking online 02-310-3009 bhquro@bdms.co.th
• Samitivej Sriracha hospital Chonburi 088-022-1445

Let’s start back to the history of robotic urology surgery. Everything had been started since 1980s after President George W. Bush’s speech who would like to bring the human to the Mars – first key item was invented; 3-dimension head-mount display. The second key item, telemanipulation instrument was invented incidentally by Stanford researchers who aimed in military usage. During that time, the development of laparoscopic surgery, one of minimally invasive surgery was exponentially developed so the assumption of combining those 2 technologies were built up into a Robotic urology surgery may be possible.

History of Robotic Urology surgery

Early 1990s, there were 2 US companies who competed in Robotic urology surgery technology.

• Computer Motion Inc.
• Intuitive surgical company

Finally, with the tremendous successfully from Intuitive surgical company’s “da Vinci” surgical system, then they had acquired Computer Motion Inc. and becomes monopoly on robotic urology surgery till now.

By time to time, the world has experienced in 5 generations of da Vinci surgical systems, Robotic urology surgery.

1. da Vinci 2000
   • Early 2000s designed for coronary surgery – also be able to use in Robotic Urology surgery
2. da Vinci S
   • Early 2000s designed for coronary surgery – also be able to use in Robotic Urology surgery
3. da Vinci Si
   • 2009
   • Several improvements in Robotic Urology surgery
   • High-definition technology
   • Finger-based clutch mechanism
4. da Vinci Xi
   • 2014
   • 3D with smaller camera caliber port
   • Smaller robotic arms
   • Provide possibly multi-quadrant surgery.

5. da Vinci SP
   • 2018
   • Single port surgery
   • All instruments can insert in only one single port.

Pros of Robotic Urology surgery

• The surgical wounds are much smaller than open surgery, very less blood loss and less pain after the Robotic Urology surgery.
• Smaller surgical wounds lead to faster recovery.
• Robotic arm has a lot more range of motion when compare with human arm and far better than laparoscopic instruments result to more precision and more complex operation can be prospected from Robotic Urology surgery.
• Better magnified with 3-dimension visualization which extremely better than open and laparoscopic surgery when performing in deep and small space type of surgery – especially Urology field.

Cons of Robotic Urology surgery

• Robotic urology surgery may take longer operation time when compare with open and laparoscopic surgery because wasting the time on docking robotic arms into the surgical field. Anyway, this problem will be less in an experienced robotic surgeon.
• More expensive
• Required a robotic surgeon who had a well-trained.
• In case of emergency, the robotic surgeon may change to be an open or laparoscopic.
• Robotic Urology surgery may not a right choice for all operations.
• Robotic Urology surgery is not available in every hospital. Patient must seek for a High-level of hospitals.

It is very good news for the patients that Bangkok hospital Headquarter has fully function the advance robotic surgical system, da Vinci Xi and we do have a qualified team for taking care of all robotic urology-related operation. Any questions, please talk to your trusted robotic surgeon or it would be my pleasure if you text me. Take care!

Dr. Soarawee completed advanced robotic urology training at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. Learn more about his international surgical training and fellowships.

You can visit my official homepage here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is robotic urology surgery and how is it different from conventional surgery?

Robotic urology surgery uses the da Vinci surgical system to perform minimally invasive operations with robotic arms controlled by the surgeon. Compared to open surgery, it offers smaller wounds, less blood loss, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery. The 3D magnified visualization and greater range of motion of robotic arms also allow for greater surgical precision, especially in deep and confined anatomical spaces typical in urology.

Q2: What urological conditions can be treated with robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is the gold standard for several urological procedures, including robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer, robotic nephrectomy for kidney tumors, robotic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and robotic cystectomy for bladder cancer. Dr. Soarawee performs these procedures at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters using the da Vinci Xi system.

Q3: Is robotic urology surgery safe?

Yes. Robotic urology surgery has an established safety profile supported by extensive clinical evidence. The precision of the robotic system reduces intraoperative complications. However, like any surgery, it requires a well-trained robotic surgeon. In cases of emergency, the surgeon can convert to open or laparoscopic surgery if needed.

Q4: How long is the recovery after robotic urology surgery?

Recovery after robotic urology surgery is generally faster than open surgery due to smaller incisions and reduced tissue trauma. Most patients can return to light activities within 1-2 weeks, though full recovery depends on the specific procedure performed. Your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan based on your operation and overall health.

Q5: Is robotic surgery available at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters?

Yes. Bangkok Hospital Headquarters is equipped with the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system, one of the most advanced generations available. Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, who completed robotic urology fellowship training at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, leads robotic urological procedures at the hospital.

If you would like to learn more about robotic urology surgery or schedule a consultation, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Book a Consultation.

Disclaimer: This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.