Michael Stifelman, MD, Performs Live Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Surgery to Educate International Surgical Experts
Newswise — 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.”
About the Robotic Surgery CenterNYU Langone’s Robotic Surgery Center is the third largest robotics program in New York City, with the most diverse and broad offerings across a growing number of medical specialties including urology, gynecology, cardiothoracic and general surgery. NYU Langone is a designated “Center of Excellence” by Intuitive Surgical in robotic surgery with an experienced team dedicated to teaching minimally invasive surgical techniques across specialties to improve patient outcomes. For more information, please visit the Robotic Surgery Center at NYU Langone Medical Center.
About NYU Langone Medical CenterNYU Langone Medical Center, a world-class, patient-centered, integrated, academic medical center, is one on the nation’s premier centers for excellence in clinical care, biomedical research and medical education. Located in the heart of Manhattan, NYU Langone is composed of four hospitals – Tisch Hospital, its flagship acute care facility; the Hospital for Joint Diseases, one of only five hospitals in the nation dedicated to orthopaedics and rheumatology; Hassenfeld Pediatric Center, a comprehensive pediatric hospital supporting a full array of children’s health services; and the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, the world’s first university-affiliated facility devoted entirely to rehabilitation medicine– plus NYU School of Medicine, which since 1841 has trained thousands of physicians and scientists who have helped to shape the course of medical history. The medical center’s tri-fold mission to serve, teach and discover is achieved 365 days a year through the seamless integration of a culture devoted to excellence in patient care, education and research. For more information, go to www.NYULMC.org.
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