Robotic and Laparoscopic Uro-Oncology

When facing a diagnosis of urological cancer, the choice of surgical approach is one of the most critical decisions a patient will make. In 2026, the standard of care for treating malignancies of the prostate, kidney, and bladder has evolved toward Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS).

Under the leadership of Dr. Sreeharsha Harinatha, Director and Lead Consultant at KIMS Hospitals, Bengaluru, our Uro-Oncology department specializes in Robotic and Laparoscopic procedures. With over 15 years of experience and specialized training from France, Germany, and the USA, Dr. Sreeharsha utilizes the Da Vinci robotic platform to provide oncological clearance while prioritizing the preservation of quality of life.

What is Robotic and Laparoscopic Uro-Oncology?

Uro-Oncology focuses on cancers of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. Modern surgical techniques fall into two primary categories:

1. Laparoscopic Surgery: Often called “keyhole surgery,” this involves small incisions through which a camera and specialized instruments are inserted. It offers a significant leap over traditional open surgery in terms of recovery.
2. Robotic-Assisted Surgery: This represents the pinnacle of surgical technology. Dr. Sreeharsha operates from a console, controlling robotic arms that offer 360-degree rotation (surpassing the human wrist) and 10x magnified 3D high-definition visualization. This precision is vital when working near delicate nerves and blood vessels in the pelvis.

Core Specialized Procedures

1. Robotic Radical Prostatectomy (RARP)

For localized prostate cancer, RARP is the gold standard.

• The Goal: Complete removal of the cancerous prostate while sparing the neurovascular bundles responsible for erectile function and the urinary sphincter responsible for continence.
• Dr. Sreeharsha’s Edge: Using advanced nerve-sparing techniques developed during his international fellowships, he focuses on maximizing early return to potency and continence.

2. Robotic Partial & Radical Nephrectomy

When treating kidney tumors, the modern priority is “nephron-sparing.”

• Partial Nephrectomy: Only the tumor is removed, preserving the healthy portion of the kidney. This is a complex procedure that requires the rapid suturing capabilities provided by the robot.
• Radical Nephrectomy: For larger or centrally located tumors, the entire kidney is removed via laparoscopic or robotic access, ensuring minimal blood loss and faster discharge.

3. Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Diversion

For invasive bladder cancer, the bladder is removed. Dr. Sreeharsha is one of the few experts who performs the entire reconstruction (neobladder or ileal conduit) inside the body (intracorporeally) using the robot. This prevents the large abdominal incisions traditional surgery requires, significantly reducing the risk of bowel complications.

Why Choose Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

Choosing a robotic approach under an experienced proctor like Dr. Sreeharsha offers several clinical advantages:

• Unmatched Precision: The robot filters out even the slightest human hand tremors, allowing for steady, microscopic movements.
• Reduced Blood Loss: Most robotic cases result in less than 100ml of blood loss, making transfusions rarely necessary.
• Faster Recovery: Patients typically walk the day after surgery and return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks, compared to 6–8 weeks for open surgery.
• Smaller Scars: Instead of a single 6-10 inch incision, patients have 5-6 tiny keyhole marks that fade over time.