Robotic Kidney Surgery Program at Columbia

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The Robotic Kidney Surgery Program at Columbia brings together advanced surgical technologies and internationally recognized surgeons to offer exceptional care for patients with advanced kidney disease.

To learn more or schedule an appointment with the Robotic Kidney Program, please call (212) 305-6469 or use our online appointment request form.

What Is Robotic Kidney Surgery?

Robotic kidney surgery is a minimally invasive approach that uses surgeon-guided robotic systems to perform some or all of the procedure. Guided by hi-res camera systems that provide unmatched precision and improved access, robotic surgery can offer a viable alternative for patients who may not be ideal candidates for open surgery.

Unlike traditional kidney surgery, which typically requires a larger incision in the lower abdomen, robotic surgery uses several small incisions. This approach offers a number of benefits, including:

Faster recovery
Less postoperative pain
Lower risk of complications
Smaller scars

Who We Treat

We treat all patients with kidney disease, including those needing a transplant. Columbia is one of the few centers that offers robotic transplantation surgery for both transplant donors and recipients.

Robotic surgery can be especially beneficial for patients with a higher body mass index (BMI), prior abdominal surgeries, or complex anatomy. Our team will evaluate your specific needs to determine if a robotic surgical approach is right for you.

Conditions We Treat

Our program provides surgical solutions for patients with:

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD)
Chronic kidney disease requiring transplant evaluation
Kidney failure from:
- Diabetes (diabetic nephropathy)
- High blood pressure (hypertensive nephrosclerosis)
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Glomerulonephritis
- Congenital or inherited kidney disorders
Kidney failure following prior kidney transplant (graft failure)

We care for patients receiving organs from both living donors and deceased donors.

Treatments We Offer

Robotic kidney surgery
Robotic kidney transplant surgery (recipient surgery)
Robotic surgery for patients with elevated BMI or complex abdominal anatomy
Robotic living donor nephrectomy (in select cases)
Open kidney transplant surgery (for patients who are better suited to traditional techniques)
Comprehensive evaluation and medical optimization prior to transplant
Post-transplant surgical and medical management

Program Highlights

A Leading Center for Transplantation

Columbia is one of the nation’s leading transplant centers, known for excellence in both clinical care and innovative surgical approaches. Our kidney transplant experts perform some of the most complex cases with consistently excellent outcomes. Our experience allows more patients—including those previously considered high risk—to safely receive a much-needed transplant.

Cutting-Edge Robotic Technology

Our surgeons use advanced robotic platforms, including the da Vinci Xi and SP systems, to achieve the highest level of precision, dexterity, and 3D visualization. Robotic surgery allows for the highest level of precision, improved control, and reduced wound-related complications.

Multidisciplinary Care at a Leading Medical Center

Kidney care at Columbia is driven by collaboration. Our team includes specialists in nephrology, urology, transplant surgery, anesthesia, radiology, and nutrition. For patients with complex medical needs, we leverage the full resources of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Irving Medical Center to provide seamless, comprehensive care before, during, and after transplant.

Living Donor Program

Living donor kidney transplantation offers the best long-term outcomes for most patients. At Columbia, donors undergo a thorough evaluation with an emphasis on safety and comfort. Our program continues to innovate in minimally invasive donor surgery, including the use of robotic techniques in select living donor nephrectomies to reduce postoperative discomfort and support faster recovery.

The Latest in Research and Clinical Trials

Our surgeons and nephrologists are national leaders in advancing kidney transplant science. Our team is involved in pioneering research on surgical techniques, immunosuppression strategies, organ preservation, and innovations aimed at expanding donor availability. Patients may also have access to ongoing clinical trials focused on improving long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Our Team

Lloyd E. Ratner, MD, MPH | Surgical Director, Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Program

Jason Hawksworth, MD

Soo Youn Yi, MD

Our Locations

Practice Locations

Presbyterian Hospital Building, 14th Floor
622 West 168th St.
New York, NY 10032
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NewYork-Presbyterian The One
1111 Westchester Ave
White Plains, NY 10604
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Surgical Location