Taking part once again in the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA2026) has been a true privilege. Representing the teams at ROC Clinic and HM Hospitales at one of the world’s leading urology congresses provides an exceptional opportunity to share experience, learn from fellow specialists and analyse where modern urology is heading.
This year’s congress once again highlighted the leading role of robotic urological surgery, the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer and minimally invasive techniques. It was also particularly interesting to compare how Europe and the United States are approaching some of the specialty’s major current challenges.
One clear example is single-port robotic surgery, which has a far more established track record in the United States, while still being at a relatively early stage of adoption in Europe. By contrast, platforms such as Hugo™ RAS have accumulated greater experience in Europe, whereas centres in the United States are only now beginning to present their initial results. These differences make it possible to compare models, share knowledge and further enrich the evolution of robotic surgery on both continents.
Different approaches can also be seen in the treatment of BPH. While prostate enucleation is becoming established in Europe as a reference technique, minimally invasive alternatives and technologies such as Aquablation are gaining increasing attention in the United States for the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement.
Lectures, Scientific Abstracts and Robotic Surgery at AUA2026
During the congress, I had the opportunity to participate as a speaker in a session focused on how to optimise outcomes and prevent complications in complex scenarios of prostatic obstruction and surgical alternatives for BOO.
In addition, I presented videos and abstracts related to robotic urological surgery, particularly in the fields of radical prostatectomy, renal surgery and the comparison of different robotic platforms.
AUA2026 was especially significant for our team as three abstracts on robotic surgery, technological innovation and new surgical strategies in urology were accepted for presentation.
One of the most important moments of the congress was receiving the award for Best Video in Urologic Oncology for the project:
“Simultaneous Step-by-Step Comparison of Four Robotic Platforms in Radical Prostatectomy: Da Vinci Xi, Da Vinci SP, Hugo™ RAS, and TOUMAI®”
This recognition highlights a project focused on the step-by-step comparison of four robotic platforms applied to radical prostatectomy, one of the most important surgical procedures in the treatment of prostate cancer.
For me, this award represents far more than academic recognition. It reflects the effort, passion and teamwork of a group of professionals committed to continuing to advance robotic urological surgery through clinical experience, research and innovation.
I would especially like to thank all the colleagues, collaborators and friends who are part of this journey. Medical innovation is never the work of a single individual; it is always the result of shared effort, enthusiasm and the constant desire to keep learning.
Congresses such as AUA2026 remind us of the importance of sharing experiences, discussing new ideas and continuing to push the boundaries of robotic urology. I return home with many reflections, renewed motivation and the satisfaction of seeing that hard work and dedication are always worthwhile.
See you next year in San Diego.
