Robotic surgery is one of the most advanced frontiers in modern medicine. In the field of urology, it has revolutionized the surgical approach to complex conditions, enabling increasingly precise, minimally invasive, and personalized procedures. Professor Pierluigi Bove is recognized as one of Italy’s leading pioneers and experts in robotic urologic surgery, with extensive clinical and academic experience developed over more than 25 years in Italy and abroad.

Robotic surgery is an advanced surgical technique that uses a robotic system—most notably the Da Vinci® system—entirely controlled by the surgeon. Unlike traditional surgery, where the surgeon’s hands act directly on the patient’s body, in robotic surgery the robot translates the surgeon’s movements into highly precise actions, minimizing invasiveness.

The robot does not operate autonomously: it is a sophisticated tool that allows the surgeon to perform complex maneuvers with superior precision, using miniaturized instruments and a high-definition 3D view of the operative field.

In urology, robotic surgery is now considered the gold standard for many oncological and functional procedures. Its advantages over traditional open or laparoscopic surgery include:

• Reduced surgical trauma and fewer post-operative complications

• Faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays

• Millimetric precision, crucial in delicate areas such as the prostate

• Minimal blood loss during surgery

• Less post-operative pain and lower risk of infections

• Preservation of urinary and sexual function, especially in prostate surgeries

At the UOSD of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Urology at Policlinico Tor Vergata and in other top-tier medical facilities, Prof. Bove adopts an integrated approach—working in synergy with anesthesiologists, oncologists, radiologists, and highly skilled nurses. Each procedure is carefully planned through pre-operative consultations, advanced diagnostic tests, and a vpersonalized evaluation of the treatment path.

Special care is given to preserving the patient’s quality of life—a crucial aspect in urology. Maintaining urinary continence and sexual function is an essential part of surgical planning.

Prof. Pierluigi Bove is a university professor and a regular speaker at international congresses on robotic urology. He has authored numerous scientific publications and collaborates with prestigious centers in Europe and the U.S. to develop and refine minimally invasive techniques.

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique using an advanced robotic system (e.g., Da Vinci Xi) to assist the surgeon. In urology, it enables highly precise operations with less trauma to surrounding tissue. Benefits include less post-op pain, fewer complications, faster recovery, and smaller scars. The robot is fully controlled by the surgeon, enhancing and refining their movements.

Robotic surgery is commonly used to treat prostate cancer (robot-assisted radical prostatectomy), kidney cancer (partial or total nephrectomy), and bladder cancer. It’s also effective for benign conditions such as ureteropelvic junction obstruction and some forms of pelvic prolapse. Prof. Bove uses robotic techniques to provide patients with the most effective, function-preserving solutions.

Yes, robotic surgery is among the safest techniques available in urology. Its precision and high-definition 3D view greatly reduce risks. Numerous studies confirm its high success rate, especially for prostate cancer removal and preservation of urinary and sexual function. Prof. Bove has performed hundreds of robotic procedures in line with international standards.

The length of surgery varies by condition, but typically lasts 2 to 4 hours. Recovery is much faster than with traditional surgery: patients often stand the day after surgery and are discharged within 2–3 days. Most return to normal daily activities in 1–2 weeks. For sports or heavy lifting, a one-month rest period is advised.

Prof. Pierluigi Bove performs robotic surgeries at top facilities, including Policlinico Tor Vergata (Rome) – UOSD Robotic Urology Clinic (URMI) and l’UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital (Rome) Both centers are equipped with state-of-the-art robotic systems. With Prof. Bove’s extensive experience and a multidisciplinary team, patients receive full support from diagnosis through surgery and post-op follow-up.