Dr. David Samadi: When someone is diagnosed with prostate cancer, the first reaction is usually fear. The second is confusion.
There are a lot of treatment options. Surgery. Radiation. Active surveillance. And then there are procedures with names patients haven’t heard before — like SMART™. So the real question becomes:
What is it actually, and who is it meant for? This guide breaks down the SMART™ prostate cancer procedure in simple terms, without getting buried in technical language.
What the SMART™ Procedure Actually Is
SMART™ stands for Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique.
It’s a robotic prostate cancer surgery developed by Dr. David Samadi that focuses on precision, nerve preservation, and functional outcomes, while still prioritizing cancer control.
At its core, it is a robotic radical prostatectomy.
But the way the prostate is removed — and the way the structures around it are handled — is different.
The goal isn’t just removing cancer.
It’s protecting quality of life as much as possible when it’s safe to do so.
A Technique Built on Decades of Surgical Evolution
While the SMART™ name is unique to Dr. Samadi, the principles behind it are not new or experimental.
The foundations of nerve-sparing prostate surgery were established decades ago, beginning with early open nerve-sparing techniques and later refined through laparoscopic and robotic advances. Over time, surgeons learned that how tissue is handled — not just what is removed — has a major impact on long-term urinary and sexual function.
The SMART™ procedure builds on this long history of surgical progress, applying modern robotic technology to techniques that have been studied, refined, and validated over many years.
What makes SMART™ different is not that it reinvented prostate surgery — it’s that it combines proven surgical principles with a highly refined, technique-driven robotic approach, shaped by thousands of cases and decades of experience.
Why This Procedure Was Developed
Traditional prostate surgery works.
Cancer control has never been the issue.
The problem has always been what comes after:
- Urinary leakage
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of sexual confidence
- Long recovery timelines
The SMART™ approach was developed to reduce those risks by:
- Preserving nerves more carefully
- Protecting supporting structures
- Minimizing unnecessary tissue disruption
- It doesn’t ignore cancer.
But it also doesn’t ignore everything else.
How the SMART™ Procedure Is Performed
The surgery is done robotically using advanced surgical systems.
Here’s the general flow:
- Small incisions are made in the abdomen
- A robotic camera and instruments are inserted
- The prostate is removed using a refined, nerve-conscious technique
- Supporting anatomy is preserved whenever cancer characteristics allow
- The urinary tract is reconstructed with attention to early recovery
From the patient’s perspective, the experience looks similar to other robotic prostate surgeries.
The difference is how much emphasis is placed on anatomy and precision.
Who the SMART™ Procedure Is Best For
Not every prostate cancer patient is the same.
And this procedure isn’t meant for everyone.
The SMART™ approach is often considered for men who:
- Have localized prostate cancer
- Are candidates for robotic surgery
- Place a high priority on urinary and sexual function
- Are otherwise healthy enough for surgery
- Want an experienced, technique-driven surgeon
- Cancer aggressiveness, location, and stage all matter.
This is decided during consultation, not guessed.
What Recovery Typically Looks Like
Recovery timelines vary, but many patients experience:
- Early improvement in urinary control
- Gradual return of sexual function over months
- Less disruption to daily life compared to older techniques
- Recovery still takes time.
- There’s no instant reset.
But the foundation set during surgery plays a major role in long-term outcomes.
What the SMART™ Procedure Is Not
This matters just as much.
The SMART™ procedure is:
- Not experimental
- Not a guarantee against side effects
- Not appropriate for every cancer type
- Not chosen over cancer control
It’s a technique — not a promise.
Why Surgeon Experience Matters More Than the Robot
Robotic systems don’t perform surgery on their own.
Results depend on:
- Surgeon skill
- Understanding of pelvic anatomy
- Decision-making during surgery
- Experience managing complex cases
- Technique matters.
- Experience matters more.
About Dr. David Samadi
Dr. David Samadi is internationally recognized for his work in prostate cancer surgery and robotic urologic oncology.
He has performed thousands of prostate cancer surgeries, helped advance nerve-sparing techniques, and is widely regarded as a technique-driven surgeon focused on both cancer control and quality-of-life outcomes.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Samadi is a Key Opinion Leader and medical contributor, frequently featured on Fox News and Newsmax, where he provides expert insight on prostate cancer, men’s health, and advanced surgical care.
His national and international visibility reflects not marketing — but decades of clinical experience, academic contribution, and leadership in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SMART™ procedure safer than traditional prostate surgery?
Safety depends on surgeon experience and patient selection. When performed appropriately, outcomes are comparable, with added focus on functional recovery.
Does SMART™ guarantee erectile function preservation?
No. Nerve preservation improves the chance of recovery, but outcomes vary based on age, baseline function, and cancer characteristics.
Is this procedure only for early-stage cancer?
It’s most commonly used for localized prostate cancer, but eligibility depends on imaging, biopsy results, and overall health.
How long does recovery take?
Initial recovery occurs over weeks. Functional recovery, especially erectile function, can take several months.
Is robotic surgery always better than open surgery?
Robotic surgery offers advantages in visualization and precision, but surgeon experience matters more than the approach itself.
Contact Dr. Samadi
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer and want to understand whether the SMART™ procedure is appropriate for you, a consultation is the next step.
That visit typically includes:
- Review of imaging and biopsy results
- Discussion of all treatment options
- Honest explanation of risks and expectations
- Clear guidance on whether this technique fits your case
The goal is clarity — not pressure.
Dr. David Samadi
Website: https://roboticoncology.com
Address: 485 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-365-5000
212-365-5000