Michael D Stifelman, MD

Dr. Michael D. Stifelman is an internationally recognized pioneer in robotic urologic surgery. He serves as the Chair of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center and as the Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Urology at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

A world leader in robotic kidney-sparing surgery (partial nephrectomy), Dr. Stifelman has performed over 4,000 robotic procedures. He is known for developing novel surgical techniques, including the first robotic single-port partial nephrectomy, which allows a complex kidney surgery for kidney cancer to be performed through a single small incision. His expertise also includes robotic procedures for adrenal tumors, prostate cancer, and ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction.

His passion for education is demonstrated through his extensive work training surgeons across the globe, having performed live surgery in 18 countries. As a prolific researcher, he has authored nearly 200 peer-reviewed articles and serves as the president-elect of the Society of Urological Robotic Surgeons (SURS).

Dr. Stifelman received his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, completed his urology residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, and his fellowship in endourology and laparoscopy at Weill Cornell Medical Center. He has been consistently recognized by his peers as a Top Doctor in both New York Magazine and Castle Connolly's guides for over a decade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is robotic surgery?
It's a type of surgery where I use a console to control robotic arms. This lets me be very precise through tiny ¼ inch incisions instead of one large cut, which means less pain and a faster recovery for you.

2. What is kidney-sparing surgery?
Instead of removing the whole kidney for a tumor, we only remove the tumor itself. This precise robotic surgery saves your healthy kidney tissue, which is better for your overall health in the long run.

3. Why would I need an adrenal gland removed?
You might need an adrenal gland removed if a tumor on it is making too many hormones (which can throw your body off balance) or if the tumor might be cancerous. We can often do this with a minimally invasive robotic surgery.

4. What is a UPJ obstruction?
This is a blockage where the kidney connects to the tube that drains it (the ureter). This can cause pain and damage the kidney over time. We can fix it with a minimally invasive robotic surgery called a pyeloplasty.

5. How can I schedule an appointment with Dr. Stifelman?
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Stifelman online or by calling his office in Hackensack:

• HMH Urology Hackensack
  360 Essex Street, Suite 403
  551-996-8090