About Dr. Atwa

Dr. Atwa was among a handful of residents nationwide to be selected to participate in a Minimally Invasive Fellowship Program in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery under Dr. Phillip L. Leggett (considered a pioneer of laparoscopic surgery worldwide) at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX. During his Fellow training, Dr. Atwa wrote an article together with Dr. Leggett on advanced surgical procedures which was accepted for publication in the prestigious Journal of Surgical Endoscopy.

In 2001, Dr. Atwa began his practice in the Port Jefferson area where he became the first fellowship trained laparoscopic surgeon in the community hospital setting. He has continued to augment his skill set with extensive training in both general laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. Dr. Atwa has completed over 7,000 procedures within the scope of his practice, as well as over 3,500 cases where he assisted other surgeons in the area.

Dr. Atwa specializes in an advanced alternative to traditional surgical procedures often referred to as robotic assisted surgery through the use of The da Vinci® Surgical System. This very precise surgical platform enables surgeons to improve their range of movement and enhance their perception and skill during surgery, which contributes to better patient outcomes and surgical experience.

Dr. Atwa is one of the leading specialists in the use the da Vinci robot in the area of Bariatric and General Surgery. This results in his patients experiencing less pain and less blood loss, quicker surgical procedures and a faster recovery, minimal scarring and less need for reliance on opioids post-surgery. Dr. Atwa has been appointed a proctor for the Intuitive Corporation, makers of the da Vinci system, and oversees the training and performance of other doctors who are learning these techniques.