Specialty
Dr. Florencio Marín specializes in robotic and minimally invasive urologic surgery, with a focus on treating prostate, kidney, and bladder conditions. From oncologic procedures to functional and reconstructive care, each treatment is tailored to ensure maximum precision, faster recovery, and optimal long-term results.
General Urology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the urinary tract in both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system. This includes common concerns such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, bladder issues, and prostate conditions.
Treatments may involve medication, lifestyle adjustments, or surgical interventions when necessary.
Who It's For?
This specialty is for patients experiencing symptoms such as:
Frequent or painful urination
Blood in urine
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Kidney or bladder stones
Prostate enlargement or concerns
Male reproductive or sexual health issues
Whether symptoms are mild or disruptive to daily life, a consultation with a urologist can provide clarity and effective treatment options.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the condition and treatment:
Non-surgical cases often involve short recovery with medication or lifestyle changes.
Minimally invasive procedures usually allow for same-day or next-day recovery.
Surgical interventions may require a few days to a few weeks of recovery, with personalized care plans to ensure comfort and healing.
Benefits
Accurate diagnosis with modern imaging and testing:
Relief from chronic or painful symptoms
Prevention of further complications (e.g., kidney damage)
Improved quality of life and urinary health
Access to both conservative and advanced surgical treatments
Risks
As with any medical specialty, there may be some risks depending on the treatment:
Possible side effects from medications
Mild discomfort after diagnostic procedures
Infection or bleeding (rare, more associated with surgery)
Invasive procedures carry typical surgical risks, which are minimized with robotic or minimally invasive techniques
Endourology is a subspecialty of urology that focuses on the use of minimally invasive techniques—primarily through natural urinary pathways—to diagnose and treat conditions within the urinary tract. It commonly involves the use of small cameras and specialized instruments inserted through the urethra, without the need for large incisions.
This technique is especially effective for treating kidney stones, ureteral obstructions, and certain tumors.
Who It's For?
Endourology is ideal for patients with:
Kidney or ureteral stones
Narrowing or blockages of the ureter or urethra
Non-invasive treatment options for certain urinary tract tumors
Recurrent urinary tract issues requiring precise diagnosis or treatment
This approach is often recommended when a patient seeks fast recovery and minimal disruption to their daily life.
Recovery
Recovery with endourological procedures is typically fast and well-tolerated:
Same-day discharge is common in many cases
Mild discomfort or urinary symptoms may occur temporarily
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days
Full recovery times vary depending on the complexity of the procedure
Benefits
Minimally invasive, often with no external incisions
Short hospital stay or outpatient treatment
Faster recovery compared to open surgery
Lower risk of infection and complications
Precise treatment using advanced instruments and imaging
Risks
Although endourology is generally safe, potential risks include:
Temporary burning or discomfort during urination
Bleeding or infection (usually mild and rare)
Incomplete stone removal, which may require follow-up
Ureteral injury (rare and typically avoidable with experienced care)
Urologic oncology is the subspecialty of urology dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. This includes cancers of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, testicles, and adrenal glands.
Treatment may involve surgery (often minimally invasive or robotic), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of approaches tailored to each patient’s condition.
Who It's For?
This specialty is for patients who have been diagnosed with or are being evaluated for:
Prostate cancer
Bladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Testicular cancer
Adrenal tumors
It also supports those with complex or recurring tumors that require specialized care and advanced surgical techniques.
Why Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery plays a vital role in treating urologic cancers because it allows for high precision, minimal invasiveness, and faster recovery. When dealing with delicate organs like the prostate, kidneys, or bladder—often surrounded by critical nerves and blood vessels—robotic systems help surgeons operate with enhanced accuracy and control.
Main Advantages:
Greater precision in removing tumors while preserving healthy tissue
Smaller incisions, leading to less pain and quicker healing
Better visualization of the surgical area through 3D magnified views
Lower risk of complications like bleeding or infection
Shorter hospital stays and faster return to daily life
In cancer treatment, this technology helps achieve oncologic control—ensuring all cancerous tissue is removed—while minimizing the impact on the patient’s body and quality of life.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the treatment approach:
Minimally invasive or robotic surgeries often reduce hospital stay and recovery time
Patients may experience temporary fatigue or urinary changes post-treatment
Ongoing follow-up is essential for monitoring and long-term health
Supportive care is available throughout recovery to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life
Benefits
Personalized treatment plans based on cancer type and stage
Access to advanced surgical techniques (e.g., robotic or laparoscopic surgery)
Multidisciplinary care combining oncology, urology, and radiology
Focus on preserving urinary and sexual function when possible
Higher precision and reduced recovery time with minimally invasive options
Risks
As with any cancer treatment, potential risks may include:
Side effects from surgery, such as bleeding or infection
Temporary or permanent changes in urinary or sexual function
Reactions to chemotherapy or radiation (when applicable)
Emotional and psychological stress related to cancer diagnosis and treatment
A specialized urologic oncology team helps patients navigate these risks with comprehensive support and clear communication.
(Kidney-sparing surgery)
A partial nephrectomy involves removing only the diseased or cancerous portion of the kidney, while preserving the healthy part. This surgery is typically recommended for small or localized kidney tumors, and helps maintain long-term kidney function. It is often performed using robotic-assisted techniques for greater precision and reduced recovery time.
Who It's For?
Partial nephrectomy is typically recommended for patients with small or localized kidney tumors, especially when preserving kidney function is a priority. It’s ideal for those with:
Tumors under 4 cm (sometimes up to 7 cm)
Only one functioning kidney
Pre-existing kidney disease
A desire to maintain as much healthy kidney tissue as possible
Why Robotic Surgery?
Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy allows for extreme precision in a delicate area where it's crucial to remove the tumor while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
The enhanced 3D vision and fine instrument control help the surgeon minimize blood loss, navigate complex anatomy, and reduce risks. It’s a leading approach for kidney preservation with excellent oncologic outcomes.
Recovery
Most patients recover well with shorter hospital stays (2–3 days) and return to daily activities within a few weeks. Robotic-assisted procedures tend to result in:
Less post-op pain
Reduced risk of complications
Faster healing
Benefits
• Preserves kidney function by removing only the tumor, not the entire kidney
Lower long-term risk of kidney failure compared to total nephrectomy
Minimally invasive (when done robotically), with less scarring and quicker recovery
Effective cancer control with proper margins
Risks
• Bleeding
Infection
Temporary or long-term loss of kidney function (in rare cases)
Urine leakage from the surgical site (rare)
(Complete kidney removal)
A radical nephrectomy involves the surgical removal of an entire kidney, often along with surrounding tissues such as the adrenal gland or nearby lymph nodes, if necessary. It is typically performed when the tumor is large or centrally located. This procedure is often done minimally invasively using robotic-assisted surgery, which can offer faster recovery and less postoperative pain.
Who It's For?
Radical nephrectomy is typically recommended for patients who have:
Large kidney tumors or those that have spread beyond the kidney
Tumors not suitable for partial removal
Kidney cancer involving nearby structures (like adrenal gland, ureter, or lymph nodes)
Good function in the other kidney
Why Robotic Surgery?
Robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy offers enhanced precision and control, especially when operating in tight spaces around major blood vessels or nearby organs.
The robotic system allows for a minimally invasive approach that reduces trauma to the body, shortens recovery time, and improves surgical outcomes. It’s often preferred for eligible patients, particularly when preserving quality of life and reducing surgical risks is a priority.
Recovery
Most patients stay in the hospital for 2–4 days, with full recovery over several weeks. Robotic-assisted surgery often results in:
Less post-operative pain
Smaller incisions
Faster return to normal activities (within 3–6 weeks)
Benefits
• Complete removal of the tumor when partial surgery isn’t possible
Can help prevent cancer from spreading if done early
Minimally invasive option when performed robotically
Often curative for localized renal cancer
Risks
• Bleeding
Infection
Injury to nearby organs or blood vessels
Potential for decreased kidney function (especially if the other kidney isn’t healthy)
Rare complications related to anesthesia or surgery
(Removal of the prostate gland)
Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland, typically used to treat localized prostate cancer. The goal is to eliminate the cancer while preserving urinary and sexual function as much as possible. Robotic-assisted surgery allows for high precision, especially in preserving the delicate nerves and tissues around the prostate.
Who It's For?
This surgery is recommended for men who have:
Localized prostate cancer (cancer confined to the prostate)
Good overall health and a longer life expectancy
A desire for a curative treatment option over radiation or surveillance
It’s often chosen by patients who are younger, more active, or whose cancer poses a higher risk of progression.
Why Robotic Surgery?
The prostate is located deep in the pelvis, surrounded by delicate nerves and structures. Robotic-assisted surgery offers enhanced precision, enabling the surgeon to:
Preserve important nerves controlling bladder and sexual function
Minimize trauma to healthy tissues
Work with magnified 3D vision and wristed instruments for better control
This leads to faster recovery, fewer complications, and improved functional outcomes compared to open surgery in many cases.
Recovery
Hospital stay: 1–2 days
Catheter: Typically worn for 1–2 weeks post-op
Return to light activity: 2–3 weeks
Full recovery: 6–8 weeks
Robotic-assisted techniques help reduce:
Post-operative pain
Blood loss
Length of hospital stay
Benefits
• Potential cure for prostate cancer when caught early
Detailed cancer staging after surgery
Long-term cancer control in many patients
Minimally invasive option when performed robotically
Risks
• Temporary or long-term urinary incontinence
Temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction
Bleeding or infection
Injury to nearby organs (like the rectum or bladder)
Scar tissue that may affect urination
