Minimally Invasive Urological Surgery
Robotic Surgery in Urology
Robot-assisted surgery is an evolution of the laparoscopic approach, allowing the surgeon to perform complex urological procedures through small incisions using articulated instruments and magnified 3D imaging. At LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic, modern robotic platforms are used, including the 4th-generation Da Vinci X system and the Edge Medical Multi-Port Robotic Surgical System, for selected urological procedures.
Surgical Practice
Robotic Urological Surgery in Practice
Dr Marinos Vasilas applies modern robotic technology in selected urological procedures as part of his surgical practice at LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic. Seated at the robotic console, he directs each movement of the surgical arms with precision, guided by high-definition three-dimensional visualization of the operative field. With training and experience in endourology, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, he chooses the robotic approach when it offers a real benefit to the patient, depending on the condition, the anatomy and the surgical goal of each case.
Dr Marinos Vasilas — The DoctorThe robot does not operate autonomously. Every instrument movement is controlled in real time by the surgeon.
Da Vinci X, 4th Generation
The Da Vinci X system consists of the surgeon console, the patient-side robotic arms and articulated surgical instruments. The surgeon sits at the console and controls every instrument movement in real time with their own hands.
The articulated instruments offer a greater range of motion than the human hand, while the system provides high-resolution 3D magnified imaging that helps identify anatomical structures in detail.
Access to the surgical field is achieved through small incisions, in line with the principles of minimally invasive surgery.
Surgeon console with full real-time control
Articulated instruments with a wide range of motion
Magnified 3D imaging of the surgical field
Minimally invasive access through small incisions
Edge Medical Multi-Port Robotic Surgical System
The Edge Medical robotic system is installed at LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic and represents an additional modern multi-port robotic surgical platform, available alongside the Da Vinci X at the clinic's Urology Centre.
Like the Da Vinci X, it is a surgeon-controlled system with articulated robotic instrumentation and high-definition visualisation, and it has been used in minimally invasive urological procedures.
Multi-port robotic surgical platform
Full surgeon-controlled movement (master–slave)
3D / high-definition visualisation, according to verified platform specification
Applied in minimally invasive urological procedures
Robotic Practice – Edge Medical
Edge Medical in Practice
In his surgical practice, Dr Marinos Vasilas also uses the Edge Medical robotic system, an additional multi-port platform available at LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic. The choice between the two systems depends on availability and the surgeon's judgment, without changing the underlying philosophy of the robotic-assisted approach: full control of every movement by the surgeon himself, guided by high-definition three-dimensional visualization of the surgical field.
Dr Marinos Vasilas — The DoctorRobotic Telesurgery with Edge Medical
In 2026, using the Edge Medical system, LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic performed Greece's first robotic telesurgery procedure — specifically a radical prostatectomy. The operating surgeon was Professor of Urology and Head of our Urology Team, Prof. Evangelos Liatsikos, who controlled the system remotely from Wuhan, China.
This was a demonstration of telesurgery capability — a technological milestone — not a routine or generally available service for every patient. It is not a claim that telesurgery guarantees a better outcome; its use remains an exceptional demonstration case, not routine practice.
Da Vinci X & Edge Medical — Neutral Comparison
Both platforms are surgeon-controlled, multi-port robotic surgical systems. Neither technology is presented as superior — the choice depends on availability and clinical indication.
| Da Vinci X | Edge Medical | |
|---|---|---|
| Robotic platform | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-port | Yes | Yes |
| Surgeon control | Yes | Yes |
| 3D visualisation | According to verified platform specification | According to verified platform specification |
| Urological use at Lefkos Stavros | Yes | Yes |
| Telesurgery demonstration | Not claimed unless specifically verified | Yes, documented 2026 case |
Clinical outcomes depend primarily on the operation, indication, anatomy, surgeon/team experience and appropriate patient selection — not simply on the commercial name of the robotic platform.
Urological Applications of Robotic Surgery
The procedures below are performed robotically at Lefkos Stavros using either the Da Vinci X or the Edge Medical system, depending on availability and the surgeon's judgement.
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
Minimally invasive surgical treatment of localised prostate cancer.
Learn moreRobotic Partial Nephrectomy
Removal of a kidney tumour while preserving healthy kidney tissue, where feasible.
Learn moreRobotic Radical Nephrectomy
Removal of the kidney when anatomy, tumour size or location do not allow preservation of kidney tissue.
Learn moreRobotic Pyeloplasty
Reconstructive treatment of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction.
Learn moreRobotic vs Laparoscopic Surgery
Both techniques are minimally invasive, with important differences in how instruments are controlled.
Robotic Surgery in Urology
- Instrument control through a surgeon console
- Articulated instruments with a wide range of motion
- 3D imaging provided by the robotic system
3D Laparoscopic Surgery
- Direct handling of straight laparoscopic instruments by the surgeon
- More limited range of motion compared to articulated instruments
- 3D imaging available on 3D laparoscopic systems
The most appropriate approach depends on the procedure, anatomy, surgeon experience and patient characteristics — not on technology alone.
Modern Technologies in Urological Surgery
Related Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is robotic surgery?
It is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which the surgeon controls articulated instruments through a dedicated console, with magnified 3D imaging of the surgical field.
Does the robot operate on its own?
No. Every instrument movement is controlled in real time by the surgeon at the console.
What is the Da Vinci X?
It is a 4th-generation robotic surgical system installed at LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic, used for selected urological procedures.
Which urological surgeries are performed robotically?
Examples include robotic radical prostatectomy, partial and radical nephrectomy, and pyeloplasty, depending on each patient's indication.
What is the difference between robotic and laparoscopic surgery?
In robotic surgery the surgeon controls articulated instruments through a console, while in laparoscopic surgery straight instruments are handled directly. Both are minimally invasive.
Is robotic surgery better for all patients?
Not necessarily. The most suitable technique is individualised based on the procedure, anatomy and patient characteristics.
Is it used for prostate cancer?
Yes, robotic radical prostatectomy is one of the treatment options for localised prostate cancer, depending on the case.
Is it used for kidney tumours?
Yes, robotic partial or radical nephrectomy can be applied to selected kidney tumours.
Who decides which technique will be used?
The choice is made by the surgeon after assessing the condition, anatomy and patient characteristics.
What is Edge Medical?
It is a multi-port robotic surgical system installed at LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic, alongside the Da Vinci X, used for selected urological procedures.
Is Edge Medical better or worse than Da Vinci X?
Neither platform is presented as superior. Both are modern, surgeon-controlled, multi-port robotic systems. The choice depends on availability and clinical indication.
What is robotic telesurgery?
It is the ability for a surgeon to operate a robotic system remotely. In 2026, Lefkos Stavros performed Greece's first such procedure using Edge Medical. This was a technological milestone, not a routine service available to every patient.
Sources
- Official documentation of LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic on the Da Vinci X robotic system.
- Official manufacturer documentation (Intuitive) for the da Vinci system.