Dr. Piotr Kania, MD: "Da Vinci Robotic Surgery - 30 Years of Experience Changing the Face of Medicine"
The da Vinci system is now synonymous with modern surgery. Although it is considered a technological breakthrough, its effectiveness and safety have been confirmed by three decades of global experience. As emphasized by Dr. Piotr Kania, a pioneer of robotic surgeries in Poland, this technology brings tangible benefits not only to patients, but also to surgeons, medical teams, hospitals and the entire healthcare system.
Until recently, it was considered elitist and futuristic. Today, robotic surgery is becoming a standard of modern medical care – also in Poland. Its effectiveness is not based on promises, but on three decades of international experience, thousands of studies and over 13 million operations performed using the da Vinci robot worldwide by September 2023, as reported by Intuitive Surgical, the manufacturer of the da Vinci system.
The da Vinci robotic system, developed since the 1990s, combines the precision of minimally invasive surgery with advanced technology supporting the operator – it does not replace humans, but radically increases their capabilities. Benefits? Shorter hospitalization time, fewer complications, faster patient recovery, but also better working conditions for the entire medical team.
About how robotics changes the everyday life of doctors and patients – says Dr. Piotr Kania, med., urologist, head of the Department of Urology and Urological Oncology in Siedlce, one of the leaders of robotic surgery in Poland and panelist at this year's Innovation Day "ESG in the health sector in the language of benefits" organized by politykazdrowia.com . His experience is a living testimony to the fact that modern technology can be safe, predictable and accessible at the same time.
Robotic surgery is no longer an innovation that is just gaining trust – it is a surgical method that has been developed for over 30 years, with a developed methodology, certification system and global network of training centers. Currently, there are over 76 thousand certified da Vinci system operators working in the world. In Poland, their number is approaching 300. Dr. Piotr Kania, head of the Department of Urology and Urological Oncology at the Mazovian Provincial Hospital in Siedlce, is one of the leading Polish operators.
Poland joined the world elite in robotic surgery relatively recently, but the development is very dynamic. The Siedlce center was one of the first - we started six years ago. During this time, we have gone from individual operations to a full robotic program and our own training for urological teams - says Dr. Piotr Kania.
Dr. Kania notes that robotic surgery is a natural extension of experience with minimally invasive surgery.
My beginnings date back to laparoscopy. Seeing the difference between classic surgery and minimally invasive approach, I had no doubts that this was the right direction. The difference is visible to the naked eye – quick recovery, fewer complications, shorter hospital stay. Today, robotics offers even more – he emphasizes.
The da Vinci system enables precise surgery in hard-to-reach anatomical areas, reducing the risk of damage and complications. It also facilitates the preservation of physiological functions, which is crucial in urological oncology – e.g. in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Robotic surgery is not only a matter of technology, but above all, the organization of the work of the entire team.
Robotics is a team game, a bit like a pit stop in Formula 1. Everyone has to know what they are doing. It is not enough to train one operator – you have to build awareness of the entire community: surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses, patient qualification specialists – says Dr. Kania.
Robot-assisted surgeries can shorten the duration of procedures and reduce the physical burden on operators. This translates into greater efficiency and longer professional capacity of surgeons.
Laparoscopic surgeries require enormous physical and mental endurance. The surgeries last many hours, often in unnatural positions. The surgical robot relieves the operator – this is important if we want the surgeon to be able to work at the highest level for many years – he points out.
Robotic surgical systems enable physicians to develop their skills continuously and safely.
At first, the mental load is high – like learning to drive a car. You have to control every detail. But over time, many activities are taken over by the subconscious, freedom appears, and with it the ability to take on more difficult cases. This increases not only the level of stress, but also job satisfaction – explains Dr. Kania.
The da Vinci operator training methodology was developed by Intuitive Surgical and has been proven over decades. Certification includes basic and advanced courses, simulations, mentored surgeries, and supervision.
I myself underwent training at the ORSI Academy in Belgium and obtained the international Console Surgeon certificate. Now I conduct training at our Center for Minimally Invasive, Laparoscopic and Robotic Medicine in Siedlce – says Dr. Kania.
Robotic workshops are held regularly in Poland, including the “3D Uro-oncological Laparoscopic Workshops” organized by Dr. Kania. They are attended by young surgeons from all over the country, who learn modern surgical techniques in a simulation environment.
Dr. Kania also emphasizes the importance of appropriate work organization in hospitals:
Robotic surgery is only part of the process. After a multi-hour operation, the doctor often has to deal with documentation and contact with the patient. And there are only 24 hours in a day. If there are no supporting teams – coordinators, assistants, rehabilitators – the number of procedures will not increase. And patients will not be fully satisfied.
That is why, as he says, the success of robotic surgery does not depend only on the da Vinci system. What is needed is a change in thinking about comprehensive care, the division of roles in the team and better use of the potential of medical specialists.
Da Vinci robotic systems are not science fiction, but real and available technology today, which changes the daily life of hospitals in Poland. Well implemented – they bring benefits to everyone: patients, surgeons, hospitals and the entire healthcare system.
Robotic surgery is not a fad. It is the direction in which global medicine is heading. And we – as Polish centers – are already there – sums up Dr. Piotr Kania.
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Updated: 12/06/2025 06:30
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