Dr. James Porter

“I had prostate cancer when I was 43 and chose robotic surgery This turned out to be a priceless experience because I now know what my patients experience and I realize they have one chance at an optimal outcome. I bring this mindset to every procedure I perform. This has made me a more empathetic and better surgeon.”

Dr. James Porter is the most experienced surgeon using the da Vinci robotic system in the Pacific Northwest. He has completed more than 3000 procedures using the robotic da Vinci System, making him one of the top five practitioners in the nation. He specializes primarily in prostate and kidney cancer procedures. He also performs urinary constructive procedures and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for the treatment of testicular cancer. Dr. Porter is currently the medical director for robotic surgery at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. In addition, he serves as Director of Robotics for Providence Health and Services. A passionate mentor, Dr. Porter actively teaches and promotes minimally invasive surgical techniques to the national and international urologic community. He is a leading global proponent of the da Vinci System, which gives surgeons enhanced vision, precision and control. The potential benefits over open surgery for prostate or kidney treatment include a shorter hospital stay; reduced pain, less blood loss and decreased risk of infection; and a faster return to normal activities.