In July 2003, Ashok J. Kar, M.D., performed the first successful robotic Radical Prostatectomy for prostate cancer using St. Joseph Hospital’s new DaVinci Robot. As an expert in the field, Dr. Kar frequently lectures on the topic of robotic technique for prostatectomy at international medical conferences as well as local clinical meetings.

Dr. Kar believes the advantage of robotic surgery is in its precision in using laporascopic incisions (a.k.a. “Band-aid “surgery ). This innovative technique translates to shorter hospital stays and less pain for patients, as well as faster recovery. Patients are often discharged with one to two days after surgery.

Dr. Kar received his medical degree from Grant Medical College at University of Bombay in Bombay, India. He then completed his general surgery internship and subsequent residency in urology at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, Ohio.

Dr. Kar is the Director of Robotic and Minimally Invasive surgery at St.Joseph's Hopsital in Orange, California and has lectured and taught robotic surgery locally, nationally and Internationally.

The program at St.Joseph's hospital has completed over 800 Robotic surgeries and now the robot is being used for reconstructive and ablative procedures for the kidney and bladder.

In his spare time, Dr. Kar is an avid tennis player.