Prof. Giacomo Novara

About me

I am Associate Professor of Urology at the University of Padova (www.unipd.it). The University of Padova is one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, with over 800 years of history.

My clinical activity is based at the Urology Unit of the Padova University Hospital (www.aopd.veneto.it). Over the past four years, this department has been consistently ranked by Newsweek magazine as one of the best urology units in Europe and the best urology department in Italy (rankings.newsweek.com).

Clinically, I specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of the main uro-oncological conditions, with a particular focus on prostate, bladder, kidney, upper urinary tract, testicular, and penile cancers. These procedures are now performed almost exclusively using robotic approaches, although I have extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery for renal and penile pathology, and open surgery for advanced bladder and renal cancers.

I also manage endoscopic and surgical treatments for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia or overactive bladder syndrome. In the reconstructive field, I perform robotic repair of female genitourinary prolapse, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and ureteral strictures.

I have been teaching urology for over 10 years to undergraduate medical and nursing students at the University of Padova (including the Treviso campus) and to urology and surgical residents in various speciality training programmes.

In terms of research, I have published several hundred peer-reviewed articles in indexed international journals. My main areas of interest include urological oncology and functional urology, with a particular focus on prognostic factors in prostate, kidney, bladder, and upper tract urothelial carcinoma, outcomes of robotic surgery in oncological and functional urology, and robotic surgical training.

Receiving a urological diagnosis — especially an oncological one — can bring uncertainty, anxiety and many questions. My goal is to guide every patient with clear information, shared decisions and a care pathway built around their individual situation.

I consider it essential to attend to each patient's expectations and needs, to choose the least invasive surgical technique available, and to preserve the best possible overall quality of life.

My research activity — with over 700 publications in international journals — is inseparable from clinical practice: every therapeutic decision is grounded in the most current evidence from the world literature.

Outside the hospital, I am Francesca's lucky husband and the proud father of Vittoria and Alberto.

Robotic surgery in urology

Robotic surgery represents one of the most significant advances in modern medicine. In urology, this technology has transformed the management of many conditions, offering patients more precise, less invasive procedures with significantly shorter recovery times.

The most widely used robotic platform worldwide is the Da Vinci system, which allows the surgeon to operate through small incisions with high-definition three-dimensional vision and wristed instruments capable of movements beyond the range of the human hand.

Robotic surgery does not mean entrusting the operation to a machine: the surgeon remains in full control at all times. Technology is there to enhance precision and delicacy — but the patient always comes first.

It is entirely normal to approach surgery with concerns or practical questions. Throughout the pre-operative pathway, not only the technical aspects are addressed, but also what the patient can expect during day-to-day recovery.

Urological Oncology

Patient information on the main urological cancers

Benign Diseases

Patient information on the main non-oncological urological conditions

Scientific Publications

Updated in real time from PubMed — Novara Giacomo

Contacts

For clinical enquiries, research collaborations, or academic matters

⚠️ The information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For any personal clinical matter, please consult your physician or book a specialist appointment. Full medical disclaimer →