Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Rolf Gillitzer is a urologic surgeon whose research focuses on improving surgical outcomes and patient quality of life following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. His work centers on two key areas: advancing surgical techniques and understanding patient-reported outcomes. Gillitzer’s early contribution, "Robot‐assisted ascending‐descending laparoscopic nerve‐sparing prostatectomy" (2009, 16 citations), helped refine a minimally invasive approach designed to preserve nerve function and enhance recovery. More recently, he has been a driving force in the multicenter IMPROVE study, which has produced highly impactful patient-centered findings. His 2022 study (9 citations) revealed that patients experience significantly less regret after choosing robot-assisted surgery over open surgery, establishing patient regret as a critical endpoint for evaluating treatment success. A 2023 follow-up (4 citations) further demonstrated that patients treated in certified prostate cancer centers report better outcomes, including lower rates of stress urinary incontinence, compared to those in non-certified centers. Through this work, Gillitzer has shifted the conversation from purely technical success to the lived experience of patients, providing evidence that guides both surgical decision-making and healthcare policy.