Metro Urology

Robert A. Gaertner M.D.

Dr. Gaertner, a native of the Twin Cities, has a primary focus on urologic oncology. Prostate cancer, the most prevalent urologic cancer, is his area of expertise.

Robotic surgery, a minimally invasive approach, has quickly become the most innovative treatment of prostate cancer. As a pioneer of robotic surgery in Minnesota, Dr. Gaertner along with his partner Dr. Christopher Knoedler, have performed over 900 robotic prostatectomies (daVinci) making them one of the top ten leading robotic surgery teams in the country. Compared to traditional surgery, results of robotic surgery for patients have been exciting. Hospital stays of 24 hours, minimal discomfort, less blood loss, minimal scarring and back to normal activities in 2-3 weeks.

Dr. Gaertner’s robotic practice is not limited to prostetectomies. He has performed nephrectomies, partial nephrectomies, lymph node dissections, repair of uretero-pelic junction obstruction, ureterolysis, bladder repair, and cyst decortications.

Dr. Gaertner continues to help train urologists in the use of the daVinci robotic system.

Christopher J Knoedler, M.D.

Dr. Knoedler has practiced and cared for patients in the Twin Cities and surrounding communities since 1989. The focus of his practice has been Urologic Cancer Care with a special interest in Prostate Cancer. He is an acive member of Metro Urology’s Cancer Center and Director of the Prostate Cancer Care Program at St. John’s NorthEast Hospital.

Since May of 2004, Dr. Knoedler has devoted his surgical practice almost exclusively to Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Dr. Knoedler, and his partner, Dr. Robert Gaertner, have helped lead the nationwide trend towards minimally invasive Prostate Cancer Surgery. To date, they have performed over 900 da Vinci Robotic Prostatectomies, helping make Metro Urology’s Robotics Program one of the most active practices of its kind in the country.

Dr. Knoedler’s future goals are to help continue the significant nationwide trend in improved Prostate Cancer Survival, by combining early diagnosis, with effective, minimally invasive treatments that offer the most minimal side effects possible.

Peter D Sershon, M.D.

Dr Sershon has dedicated the past 15 years to the surgical advancement of cancer treatment. He is a recognized leader in the development of robotic surgery for prostate cancer in Minnesota, and is the Director of the Robotic Surgery Program at United Hospital in St Paul, MN. In his role as Director of the Prostate Cancer Program, he organized a team of surgical and medical specialists to facilitate a multi-disciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of Prostate Cancer. Dr Sershon believes the appropriate use of new technology and techniques will improve patient outcomes as they face the physical and emotional stress of their disease.