Jihad Kaouk, MD
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.444.5600
- Desk:
- 216.444.2976
- Fax:
- 216.636.4492
Additional Locations
Transplantation Center
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.444.5600
- Desk:
- 216.444.2976
- Fax:
- 216.636.4492
Biomedical Engineering
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.444.5600
- Desk:
- 216.444.2976
- Fax:
- 216.636.4492
Treatment & Services
- Benign Prostate Surgery
- Bladder Tumor Biopsy And Resection
- Cancer Center
- Continent Diversion
- Cystectomy
- Cystoprostatectomy
- Ileal Conduit
- Kidney And Ureteral Reconstruction
- Kidney with Pancreas Transplantation
- Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
- Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy
- Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy
- Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
- Laparoscopic Renal Cryoablation
- Nerve-sparing Prostatectomy
- Orthotopic Neobladder
- Partial Nephrectomy
- Percutaneous Renal Cryoablation
- Prostate Biopsy
- Radical Cystectomy
- Radical Nephrectomy: Laparoscopic Or Open
- Radical Orchiectomy
- Radical Prostatectomy
- Robotic Cystectomy
- Robotic Prostate Surgery
- Robotic Prostatectomy
- Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery
- Single-Port Radical Prostatectomy
- Single-port Surgery
- TURP (Transurethral Resection of The Prostate)
- Urinary Diversion
- Urology
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Adrenal disorders
- Adrenal Tumors
- Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPH)
- Elevated PSA
- Facts About Bladder Cancer
- Hematuria
- Hydronephrosis
- Kidney Cancer
- Kidney donation
- Pheochromocytoma
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Prostate Cancer
- Prostate Disease
- Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
- Transitional Cell Cancer
- Ureteral Cancer
- Ureteral Strictures
- Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction
- Urethral Cancer
- Urethral Strictures & Urinary Fistulas
- Von Hippel-Lindau Disease (VHL)
Insurance
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View All PlansAbout Jihad Kaouk, MD
Dr. Jihad Kaouk is an American Board certified Urologist who helps patients within Cleveland Clinic's Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute as the Director of the Center of Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery. He also serves as a Professor of Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University.
Complementing his role as Director, Jihad Kaouk, MD, holds the position of Institute Vice Chair for Surgical Innovations and the chair holder for the Zegarac-Pollock Endowed Chair in laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute. Dr Jihad Kaouk is listed in Who's Who in America and Top Docs in America and recently listed on Microsoft academic search as one of the top 10 authors in urology world wide.
As such, he has performed groundbreaking surgical procedures, including the first robotic single port surgery through the belly button in 2008 and the first completely transvaginal kidney removal in 2009. These procedures, executed by Dr. Kaouk and his team, proved minimally invasive enough that the hospital discharged the patient within a day of the operation. Dr. Kaouk has one of the largest experiences in robotic surgery in the country with more than 2,500 robotic radical prostatectomy and about 900 robotic partial nephrectomy that he performed through the last 20 years. Recently, Dr. Kaouk patented a device for radiofrequency cauterization and the extraction of tissue used mainly during partial nephrectomy.
An MD with professional responsibilities beyond direct patient care, Dr. Kaouk presently works with a number of committees associated with the Cleveland Clinic, including the Robotic Steering Committee and the International Medical Education Committee. Moreover, Dr. Kaouk engages in the academic progress of his field in his role as the Associate Editor of Urology journal, and as a Section Editor for The Journal of Robotic Surgery and the Arab Journal of Urology. He also acts as an Ad Hoc Reviewer for a number of peer-reviewed publications, among them the Journal of Urology, the Journal of Endourology, the British Journal of Urology International, and the World Journal of Urology. Previously, he has been a Guest Editor for Urology’s special supplement on renal cryoablation, and for a special issue of the British Journal of Urology International.
Since 2005, Dr. Kaouk has served on committees at the national and local levels. From 2005 to 2008, he belonged to the American Urological Association’s Urologic Diagnostic and Therapeutic Imaging Task Force, and from 2006 to 2010 he was on the Guide Panel of the Management of Incidentally Discovered Renal Masses committee.
Dr. Kaouk has lectured in more than 130 scientific meetings, chaired more than 20 urologic meetings and performed live surgery demonstrations in 18 medical centers worldwide. He has more than 260 peer reviewed scientific publications, 18 book chapters and hundreds of scientific abstracts and surgical illustration movies. Dr. Kaouk received 32 honors and awards for his work in the professional field, including the Cleveland Clinic innovator award (which he won twice) and best surgical illustration movies. Prior to establishing his reputation as an innovative practitioner, Dr. Kaouk earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut Medical Center and completed his Internship in General Surgery and his Residency in General Surgery and Urology at the same establishment.
Presently, Dr Kaouk holds membership with the American Urological Association, the Endourological Society, the Society of Robotic Surgery, and the Lebanese Order of Physicians. He possesses active medical licenses to practice in the states of Ohio, Utah and Indiana.
Education & Professional Highlights
Appointed
2002
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic
Urology/Advanced Urological Laparoscopy
Cleveland,
OH USA
2002
Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic
Urology/Advanced Urological Laparoscopy
Cleveland,
OH USA
2000
Residency - American University of Beirut Medical Center
Urology
Beirut,
Lebanon
1999
Residency - American University of Beirut Medical Center
Surgery
Beirut,
Lebanon
1996
Internship - American University of Beirut Medical Center
Surgery
Beirut,
Lebanon
1994
Medical Education - American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine
New York,
NY USA
1993
Undergraduate - American University of Beirut
Beirut,
Lebanon
1989
Additional Training
- Robotic Surgery Training certificate
- Human Participants Protection Education for Research Teams
Professional Highlights
- U.S. Patent August 28, 2012 Apparatus and method of performing radiofrequency cauterization and tissue removal Editorial Boards Position Section Editor – Laparoscopy & Robotics Journal: Arab Journal of Urology Dates of Service: 2011-to present Position Associate Editor - Section of Laparoscopy and Robotic Surgery Journal Urology - the “Gold Journal” Dates of Service:2008- present Position Editorial Board Member Journal: Journal of Robotic Surgery Dates of Service: 2011 Position Guest Editor - Special issue “LESS and NOTES in Urology” Journal: BJU International Dates of Service: Vol 106 (6 part B), Sep 2010 Position Guest Editor - Supplement “Renal Cryoablation Journal: Urology - the “Gold Journal” Dates of Service: Vol.68 (1A), July 2006 Organization: AUA (American Urologic Association) Committee Name/Role: Guideline Panel, Management of Incidentally Discovered Renal Masses Dates of Service: 2006-2011 Google Scholar –as dec 2012 Citations: 13347 h-index: 60 i10-index: 170 Top 10 Authors in Urology.
Certifications
- Urology
Specialty Interests
Laparoscopic and robotic surgery for kidney cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, adrenal cancer, kidney donation, single port laparoscopic surgery, focal ablation for kidney tumors including cryoablation, retroperitoneal fibrosis
Awards & Honors
- First Prize-Best Video Award EAU, Paris 2012
- Second Generation Instruments For Robotic Single Site Kidney Surgery: Early Experience In A Cadaver Model
- Cleveland Clinic Innovator Award 2011
- Renal Hilum Clamp to Mitigate Ischemia during Partial Nephrectomy
- Third Prize: AUA, Orlando, May 2008
- Innovation Combination of New Technologies in Reconstructive Laparoscopic Surgery: An Evaluation in Animal Model
- Best Paper Award: Engineering and Urology Society, Orlando, 2008
- Innovation Combination of New Technologies in Reconstructive Urology
- Second prize: World Congress of Endourology, 2007
- Preliminary Experience With the Niris Optical Coherence Tomography System During Laparoscopic and Robotic Prostatectomy
- Outstanding Paper Award, Engineering & Urology Society Annual Meeting, Anaheim, 2007
- Percutaneous Cryoablation of Kidney Lesions Under Combined Real-time Ultrasound and 3D CT Scan Navigation
- Outstanding Paper Award, Engineering & Urology Society Annual Meeting, Anaheim, 2007
- KTP Laser Robotic Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy: Development and Initial Clinical Experience
- Outstanding Paper Award, Engineering & Urology Society Annual Meeting Anaheim, CA, May 2007
- Flexible Robotic Retrograde Renoscopy: Description of a Novel Robotic Device and Preliminary Laboratory Experience.
- Cleveland Clinic Innovator Award 2006
- Honorable Mention – Audio-Visual Award, AUA Atlanta, May 2006
- Real-time Virtual Sonography Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Renal Tumor
- Who’s Who in America
- Marquis 59th Edition, 2005-Presents “America’s Top Physicians in Urology”
- Consumers’ Research Council of America, 2005-2006
- Recognition Awards American College of Surgeons, Lebanon Chapter, XIth Clinical Congress, September 8, 2005
- First Prize – Best Video Award, AUA San Antonio, May 2005
- Implications of Real-time Transrectal Monitoring during Nerve-Sparing Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
- Honorable Mention - Audio-Visual Award, AUA, San Antonio, May 2005
- Laparoscopic Nerve-Sparing Radical Cystectomy with Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder
- Honorable Mention - Audio-Visual Award, AUA, San Francisco, May 2004
- Real-Time Transrectal Ultrasound Guidance during Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
- Clinical Traveling Fellowship Award, North Central Section AUA Vancouver, September 2003
- Thoracic Complications during Laparoscopic Urologic Surgery
- Olympus Prize - Best Clinical Paper, 21st World Congress of Endourology Montreal, Canada, September 2003
- Heparin Versus No Heparin During Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy
- Third Prize - Best Video, AUA Chicago, IL, May 2003
- Laparoscopic Advanced Partial Nephrectomy
- Third Prize - Best Paper, 20th World Congress of Endourology Genoa, Italy,September 2002
- Use of Tissue-Expanded Ureter for Laparoscopic Augmentation Cystoplasty
- Second Prize - Best Paper, 20th World Congress of Endourology, Genoa, Italy, September 2002
- Laparoscopic Tumor Thrombectomy for Level IV Caval and Atrial Thrombus with Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest
- Second Prize - Best Video, AUA Orlando, Florida, May 2002
- Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Cleveland Clinic Technique
- First Prize - Essay Contest, 19th World Congress of Endourology Bangkok, Thailand, November 2001
- Endopyeloplasty: A Novel Technique Yamanouchi Award - Best Paper, AUA, Anaheim, California, June 2001
- Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion: Intracorporeal Technique
- First Prize - Best Video, 19th World Congress of Endourology, Bangkok, Thailand , November 2001
- Remote, Robotic Laparoscopic Extravesical Ureteral Reimplantation with Ureteral Advancement Technique
- First Prize - Best Video, 19th World Congress of Endourology Bangkok, Thailand, November, 2001
- Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy with Urinary Diversion- Completely Intracorporeal Technique in the Male and Female
- First Prize - Best Video, 19th World Congress of Endourology Bangkok, Thailand, November 2001
- Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Video
- First Prize - Best Video, 19th World Congress on Endourology Bangkok, Thailand, November 2001
- Laparoscopic Anatrophic Nephrolithotomy in a Porcine Animal Model
- First Prize - Best Video, 19th World Congress on Endourology and Shockwave Bangkok, Thailand, November 2001 Laparoscopic Nephron-Sparing Surgery
- Honorable Mention - Best Video, AUA Anaheim, California, June 2001 Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy with Urinary Diversion-Completely Intracorporeal Technique in the Male and Female
- Second Prize - Best Video, AUA Anaheim, California, June 2001 The Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
- Second Prize - Essay Contest, 18th World Congress on Endourology Sao Paulo, Brazil, September 2000 Laparoscopic Kidney Autotransplantation
- First Prize – Essay Contest, 18th World Congress on Endourology Sao Paulo, Brazil, September, 2000
- Dean's Honor List, American University of Beirut, 1989-1990 Laparoscopic Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder
Innovations & Patents
- Development of Innovative Surgical Techniques:Performed the initial laboratory work on laparoscopic radical cystectomy (removal of bladder) and intracorporeal urinary diversion. This eventually helped in development of laparoscopic radical cystectomy and urinary diversion that is widely performed at present. Dr Kaouk received First Prize in the 18th World Congress on Endourology and Shockwave, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2000. The research was published in J Endourol, 15(2): 131-142, 2001 "Laparoscopic Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder."
- Developed technique for robotic radical prostatectomy and sural nerve grafting. This technique allows the surgeon to graft a nerve from the patient's leg to the area of excised prostate to restore continuity of nerves responsible for potency in men. This microsurgical technique was published and referenced in Medline as follows: Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Sural Nerve Grafting during Radical Prostatectomy: Initial Experience. J Urol, 170(3): 909-912, 2003.
- Developed a technique of nerve-sparing robotic radical prostatectomy that uses laser energy to dissect tissue with minimal collateral damage. The initial laboratory work and initial clinical series was published at the American Urological Association meeting in 2007.
- Pioneered single-port laparoscopic surgery in urology. Laparoscopic surgery usually requires several small incisions. With single-port surgery, Dr Kaouk was able to perform various laparoscopic procedures through a single incision. Most of these procedures were first ever done in urology such as single-port laparoscopic nephrectomy, cryoablation, renal cyst excision, sacrocolpopexy, varicocelectomy, radical prostatectomy and radical cystectomy. Dr. Kaouk and his team have the most extensive experience in single-port surgery in urology and they are now pioneering robotic applications for single-port surgery. Initial work was accepted in peer-reviewed journals (in press) in Urology journal and British Journal of Urology. Development of Surgical Instruments:Designed an instrument that can be used to perform laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with minimal risk of bleeding and without the need for advanced laparoscopic skills. The device uses radiofrequency ablation to create a bloodless zone around kidney tumor, then one can pass a knife to cut the tumor. Dr. Kaouk and Cleveland Clinic patented the device. Dr Kaouk received the Innovator Award for this device in 2006.
- U.S. Patent - August 28, 2012: Apparatus and method of performing radiofrequency cauterization and tissue removal.
Memberships
- American Urological Association
- Endourological Society
- Society of Robotic Surgery
Research & Publications
See publications for Jihad Kaouk, MD.
(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.
To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.
As of 12/6/2022, Dr. Kaouk has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Consulting and/or Speaking. Dr. Kaouk receives fees of $5,000 or more per year as a paid consultant, speaker or member of an advisory committee for the following companies:
- Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
- Method AI, Inc.
- Vascular Technology, Inc. (VTI)
- Reliabotics, LLC
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
76 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.
| Overall | Star Ratings | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.7 | |
| Listens | 4.6 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.9 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.9 |
24 Patient Comments
© 2023 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be altered, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Cleveland Clinic.
Reviewed on Feb 16, 2023
Dr. Kaouk is amazing!
Reviewed on Feb 8, 2023
Surgical staff was very considerate and informative as were doctors.
Reviewed on Jan 26, 2023
This was my first visit with Dr. Kaouk.
Reviewed on Jan 19, 2023
Dr Kaouk was informative confident and without a doubt on his game He definitely reviewed my case in its entirety
Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022
Dr Kaouk is the best.
Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022
Dr. Kaouk was very thorough in his explanation of the results and what they mean. He was also very detailed in explaining the options and involving me in the treatment decision. He's very genuine and shows sincere care for me as a patient. Really enjoyed my interactions with Dr. Kaouk.
Reviewed on Dec 8, 2022
My experience was a good experience in regards to meeting Dr. Haouk and The Fellow,Andrew who explained some things to me and my wife!
Reviewed on Nov 17, 2022
Like, seriously, you feel the need to ask about how much Dr. Kaouk cares about what he does? Think about adding a column to rate a good sense of humor.
Reviewed on Nov 17, 2022
I was so impressed with Dr. Kaouk, primarily with the way he described my treatment options. The physicians assistant was very good as well.
Reviewed on Nov 3, 2022
The Doctor explained everything about the steps for my tests and procedure(s). He answered my questions with sincerity.
Reviewed on Oct 20, 2022
My experience was excellent! Dr. Kaouk and his team were timely and well informed regarding my case! They answered all my questions and provided great options for my continued care and recovery!
Reviewed on Oct 20, 2022
From the very first time I met Dr. Kaouk and his team, everyone has been wonderful! They pursue excellence in providing the best care and plan for their patients! Their professionalism, knowledge, expertise, and compassion have impacted my life in such a positive way, and I have been greatly encouraged throughout the entire journey! I have already recommended this team to other people that I know!
Reviewed on Oct 20, 2022
The care I have received from Dr Kaouk and his team at Cleveland Clinic is the highest level and best care I have received in my lifetime! Everyone from parking the car to navigating Cleveland Clinic, to timely and on time service, the countless caregivers and providers, and most importantly the incredible team working with Dr. Kaouk, it has been a wonderful experience and I couldn't be more pleased! The care that I have received at Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Kaouk's team has been lifesaving and life changing! I am so grateful and thankful to God for the recommendation I received to go to Dr. Kaouk at Cleveland Clinic!
Reviewed on Oct 13, 2022
Dr was very kind and explained every option to me.
Reviewed on Oct 6, 2022
I loved Dr Kaouk gentle approach. He seemed to genuinely care about me. Very very kind man to me and to his staff
Reviewed on Sep 8, 2022
Dr. Kaouk is a very very good doctor. I have an advertising agency and work with Hospital in New York state. Familiar with this space. He is so kind and communicative . Glad to have him as my doc
Reviewed on Sep 8, 2022
Dr put me at ease. Explained everything in detail. Drew diagram of procedure. He was patient and understanding. He didn't rush consul
Reviewed on Jul 28, 2022
Great Team. Especially like getting a call before the appointment from a doctor regarding my question on MyChart.
Reviewed on Jul 14, 2022
The dr and the pa were absolutely amazing!
Reviewed on Jul 7, 2022
Dr. Jihad Kaouk and his team have provided exceptional and expert care throughout my entire experience! I couldn't be more blessed and pleased with the dedicated service provided for me, as a patient, and my family at Cleveland Clinic, under the consummate care of Dr. Kaouk! I have already recommended him and the excellent services of Cleveland Clinic to many people!
Reviewed on Jun 2, 2022
He is simply the best MD I have ever known/been treated by. Gifted, class personality and genuinely caring.
Reviewed on May 26, 2022
Dr. Kaouk was outstanding. He was intelligent and articulate without ever being condescending. He was empathetic and quite patient as he addressed our many concerns and questions. I was very impressed with his demeanor and expertise. Would recommend him without reservation!
Reviewed on Apr 21, 2022
The doctor is amazing and I have the utmost confidence in his care for my situation.
Reviewed on Mar 17, 2022
Doctor and assistant were great.