Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, has reached a significant milestone in surgical care with the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted surgery using the hospital’s newly introduced da Vinci Xi system.
The procedure was performed by urologist Brian Dinerman, MD, who joined Olean General Hospital in 2024 and has completed hundreds of robotic-assisted surgeries throughout his career. The surgery marks the first robotic procedure performed at OGH since the system was introduced in late 2025.
The first-ever robotic-assisted case was a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, which is a minimally invasive surgery that removes an entire kidney. The procedure was performed to treat renal cell carcinoma. The surgery was successful, and the patient reported a smooth recovery.
“Considering the procedure, the overall experience couldn’t have been better,” the patient said. “My recovery was fast, and my pain levels were very manageable. I chose Olean General Hospital because of the quality of care I would receive and the close proximity to home.” The patient resides in Allegany, NY.
Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility and control. According to Dr. Dinerman, patients often experience additional benefits compared to traditional surgery.
“By performing procedures robotically, patients typically have shorter hospital stays, less pain, less blood loss and faster recovery times,” said Dr. Dinerman. “Bringing this technology to Olean allows patients to receive state-of-the-art surgical care close to home.”
Offering robotic surgery locally also reduces the burden of travel for patients in rural communities, particularly during winter months, eliminating the need for long drives, overnight accommodations or care far from family support.
“This is an exciting time for our local healthcare system,” said Bradley J. Chapman, president, OGH and Bradford Regional Medical Center. “You often hear negative commentary about rural healthcare, but we have some incredible resources here that many rural communities do not. Robotic surgery is one of them, along with a strong network of skilled surgeons who can use this technology to deliver high-quality care.”
Chapman added that the da Vinci Xi system also supports future growth.
“We’re excited to leverage robotic surgery as a recruitment tool for new surgeons and physicians coming out of residency programs,” he said. “This is the technology they train on, and it helps ensure we continue providing advanced care in our region.”
Dr. Dinerman specializes in urologic care, including treatment of issues dealing with bladder, kidneys, prostate, male reproductive health and female urinary disorders.
The patient echoed the importance of having this level of care available locally.
“Dr. Dinerman is a skilled surgeon who, along with his team, put my mind at ease as the first patient at OGH to undergo robotic-assisted surgery. Everyone in the Olean area and surrounding communities should be excited that OGH has invested in this robot,” the patient said. “It’s going to save people from having to drive far outside the area for these types of surgeries.”
Olean General Hospital’s general surgery team, OB/GYN providers and Urologist Dr. Brian Dinerman will utilize the robotic surgery system to expand advanced surgical options and continue elevating the quality of care available locally for patients in our region.
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