Douglas W. Klingler

About

Douglas W. Klingler is a pioneering urologic surgeon whose research has been instrumental in advancing minimally invasive techniques for kidney cancer surgery. His work focuses on the comparative effectiveness and feasibility of radical nephrectomy across multiple surgical platforms, including open, laparoscopic, hand-assisted, and robotic approaches. Klingler’s landmark 2005 pilot study, “Feasibility of robotic radical nephrectomy” (95 citations), was among the first to demonstrate the practical application of the da Vinci Surgical System for this procedure, helping to establish robotic nephrectomy as a viable option. His subsequent 2006 study (70 citations) provided critical evidence that, when performed by the same surgeon, open, laparoscopic, and robotic methods yield comparable perioperative outcomes. This head-to-head comparison offered surgeons and patients valuable data for shared decision-making, showing that technological innovation need not compromise surgical safety or efficacy. Klingler’s contributions have helped shape modern urologic oncology practice, bridging the gap between emerging robotic technology and established surgical standards. His work remains a foundational reference for researchers and clinicians exploring the role of robotics in nephrectomy.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Feasibility of robotic radical nephrectomy—initial results of single-institution pilot study

   95 citations · 2005
2. 2
   Radical nephrectomy performed by open, laparoscopy with or without hand-assistance or robotic methods by the same surgeon produces comparable perioperative results

   70 citations · 2006

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links