by Matthew Bui, MD, PhD
Da Vinci robotic surgeries have the advantage of less tissue trauma, less pain and quicker recovery. Robotic surgeries have traditionally been procedures reserved for inpatient hospitals. However, after more than 3000 robotic 
surgeries at Tower Urology, our patients typically only stay 1 night in the hospital. We have noticed that, because the surgical complications are so low and also with the low postoperative pain, same day discharge home may be possible. In fact, our surgeons at Tower Urology are the first in the country to perform an outpatient robotic radical nephrectomy and robotic pyeloplasty in a surgery center with patients able to go home the same day. Other specialities are also following in this trend with outpatient robotic gynecological and bariatric surgeries going home within hours after completing their surgery.
The advantages of outpatient robotic surgery in a surgery center include lower cost to insurance carriers because of surgery centers do not cost as much to operate as large hospitals. The cost to the patient is usually equivalent to hospital charges. Furthermore, patients enjoy more personalized care and attention in a surgery center.
The disadvantages of outpatient robotic surgery in a surgery center is lack of the clinical support systems available in hospital. Therefore, patients with other health-related problems should consider their surgeries in a hospital setting. However, in general, patients in good health have little need for concern.
Few medical centers have the experience nor the expertise to provide outpatient robotic surgery. However, at Tower Urology, our talented and experienced surgeons have perfected their robotic surgical skills in order to provide an excellent outcome and a safe recovery.