MedStar Georgetown Performs Robotic Mastectomies
Surgeons at the Washington hospital use robotic technology to perform nipple-sparing mastectomies.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Cancer
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital surgeons are utilizing robotic technology to perform nipple-sparing mastectomies through a single small incision. The minimally invasive procedure, which includes reconstruction and nerve-sparing techniques, was utilized for a patient in the summer of 2026.
Why it matters
The robotic surgical technique aims to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients by reducing pain and recovery time while minimizing visible scarring. It offers an advanced alternative to traditional methods by preserving the skin and incorporating immediate reconstruction.
Approximately 20% of breast cancer patients are candidates for the nipple-sparing procedure. Nationally, only 10 hospitals currently perform this robotic surgery.
The players
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
This facility is a major academic medical center located in Washington, D.C., that provides specialized surgical and diagnostic services.
Ami Brasure
A 50-year-old patient who underwent a double mastectomy using the hospital's robotic surgical approach.
The details
Surgeons at MedStar Georgetown operate using a camera and small instruments through a single incision in the breast fold to keep the skin intact. The operation incorporates a permanent implant, a lymph-node biopsy, and specialized nerve-sparing techniques to aid in patient recovery.
Timeline
Surgeons have been performing re-sensation surgery for the last four years.
Ami Brasure underwent a double mastectomy in the summer of 2026.
The Big Picture
The rise of robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy marks a departure from traditional invasive surgery techniques. MedStar Georgetown's surgical program follows the pattern set by emerging robotic oncology standards.
For patients with small- to moderate-sized breasts, this procedure offers a path to reconstruction with reduced scarring and less post-operative pain. Prospective patients should consult with surgical teams to determine if they meet the clinical criteria for this robotic approach.
The takeaway
Robotic surgical techniques represent a significant shift toward less invasive cancer treatments. Patients eligible for such procedures may experience faster recovery times compared to conventional mastectomies.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in Cancer treatment and surgical options.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC4 Washington.
