I first met Dr. Yu after having a positive biopsy for prostate cancer. I talked to two doctors, one who uses radiation and Dr. Yu who uses robotic surgery. On my first meeting with him, I noted that he was very amiable. He explained the procedure fluently and answered my questions happily. There are pros and cons between the two procedures, and I took more than a month to decide which one. To his credit he let me decide and was not put off by the long delay. I chose the surgery method. The surgery was done at Marin General Hospital. I was very favorably impressed by the crew that worked with Dr. Yu. before and after the surgery. That the surgery went fine with no complications was reported to me as soon as i was awake. There are many bad side effects that can happen and how they present themselves depends on the knowledge and skill of the surgeon. There were no such side effects. Dr. Yu continues to help me after surgery. For example, he answered a call from me at 6 A.M. without any trace of annoyance. I continue see him for checkups and am happy that he is there for me. One could not ask for a better doctor! Thank you Dr. Yu. read more

Dr. Yu is a consummate professional. He listens to understand and presents facts and options. With treatment options he is candid, highlighting risks and as well as the positive aspects. He is always looking to make the urology care process more precise, to help reduce some of the historical inconsistencies. He is an exceptional surgeon. I had faith in his ability, but that was bouyed when waiting for my surgery, as several of the hospital staff were talking about his remarkable talent. The meticulous detail that went into the preparation and recovery to reduce risks was as an important part as the surgery itself. During the recovery in the hospital, there was a machine massaging my lower legs to help reduce the risk of blood clots. To me, it was one of the notable little things in the details that was part of my surgery's success. Dr. Yu gave me his personal cell phone number to use during recovery at home. I used it twice, and each time he was thorough (listening first) and then giving me simple directions. The surgery was a a great success as Dr Yu and the team did great job. I highly recommend Dr Yu and North Bay Urology. read more

Dr Yu is truly an outstanding surgeon and an extremely personable health care provider, a great listener with an uncommon ability to answer every question in a clear and straightforward manner . I was initially nervous about my surgery (radical robotic prostatectomy) and concerned about the length and difficulty of the recovery. Well, I am pleased to report that the procedure and subsequent recovery proved to be one of the greatest and most pleasant surprises that any patient can hope to receive. Dr Yu's unsurpassed surgical skills with the Da Vinci robotic technique allowed for a problem-free and totally successful procedure, absolutely no incontinence issues, and a remarkably fast and low-pain recovery; in fact, I was walking quite comfortably the day of the operation and now, less than two weeks later, I am totally ambulatory and feeling great. I was extremely fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Yu and I highly recommend him to any one who is looking for extraordinarily good medical service. read more

After giving up on "home remedies" and prescription drugs to treat my urinary obstruction, I realized the need for medical/surgical attention. Finding the right Urologist became complicated due to a 700 mile residential move into a retirement community. Speaking to other male residents, there was a universe of co-sufferers. One doctor's name that kept resurfacing was Dr. James Yu of North Bay Urology, in Greenbrae, CA. The first meeting was very constructive, as he laid out in an understandable way the risks and rewards of different medical approaches. I spoke to 2 of his past patients, and all had positive results. Once I decided on "open procedure" for prostate removal, the scheduling and pre-op process went smoothly. The nurses and office staff are most helpful, caring and professional. Dr. Yu, in my opinion, is a very fine surgeon, and also has the personal touch so important to an aging 81 yr old male. 10/5/16 read more

I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Two basic options were available: hormone therapy and radiation; or, surgery. As such, I researched these options and sought primary and secondary opinions from several Bay Area renowned doctors. I selected Dr. Yu for my robotic prostate surgery for the following reasons: vast experience with consistent positive outcomes; readily available to discuss all the details of the surgery, options, potential side effects and measures to deal with, and the path towards recovery. Although the Bar Area has a few very qualified surgeons for prostate robotic surgery, I wanted a very qualified younger surgeon who continues to appreciate what each of his or her patients is going through. I highly recommend Dr. Yu for robotic prostate surgery. read more

When I saw blood in my urine, I went to Marin Health Urology to get answers. The medical team there was a picture of complete and professional care. An initial inspection of my bladder by Dr. Harry Neuwirth revealed aggressive cancer. Within days I was scheduled for robotic surgery by Dr. James Yu. And instead of removing my entire bladder, Dr. Yu determined that he could just take out the cancerous section. The surgery was all done robotically through four small incisions in my abdomen where the robotic instruments were inserted. Dr. Yu sat at a console with a high definition screen to expertly guide the miniature tools. I was kept overnight for observation and released the next day. No long recovery required. Excellent follow up was provided by Physician Assistant Winnie Eng. read more

Thank you Dr. Yu! From the first phone conversation with Kate, to my first office visit in Napa and then my surgery at Marin General, I felt comfortable and at ease in a very uneasy time. Dr. Yu was very thorough in explaining my medical case and what needed to be done. He answered all my questions in a manner that was positive, kind and understanding. This positive attitude continued through my surgery and the follow up visits also. All of his staff at the Greenbrae & Napa offices are very friendly and thoughtful. Dr. Yu's team at Marin General were amazing, they are the best at making a patient feel comfortable and calm. Thank you again for your kind and thorough care, 5 stars just isn't enough! read more

I was diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer, extending into the bladder muscle wall. Dr. Yu explained all the options and we agreed to having a neo-bladder created from some of my small intestines and removal of my bladder. I am fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Yu as his surgical skills are highly respected throughout the bay area. Dr. Yu and his staff were amazing in all the steps necessary for insurance approval to pre-op and flawless robotic surgery, as well as Marin General's post-op care. I am still recovering, but can urinate without a Foley cath and working on full continence. Dr. Yu listens, explains well and cares about his patients. I feel blessed to have Dr. Yu as my surgeon. read more

I was referred to Dr. Yu to discuss surgical options regarding a Prostate tumor. From the moment my wife and I met him for the consult we felt we were definitely in Competent Hands. Dr. Yu spent well over an hour discussing the pros and cons of treating this surgically, described the procedure to us very clearly in language I could understand (my wife is a former OR Nurse so real easy for her!). A fellow colleague of his described him to my wife as " The Best in the World". The Robotic Assisted Surgery went Very well, spent only one night in the hospital, went home the next day and never needed any prescription pain meds. Doing very well 2 weeks post-op. HIGHLY Recommend Dr. Yu . Jim D. read more

I had a very complicated surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in my kidney. I was told by several doctors that Dr Yu is considered to be the best in this country at this surgery. I had no complications from the surgery, but the night of the surgery my blood pressure dropped really - which can be a sign of internal bleeding. He was right there at my bedside when the blood pressure dropped. I told him I have a blood pressure issue and it's common to drop low - and I knew I was not bleeding internally. I watched me closely and the blood pressure went back to normal. I was so relieved not to be opened up again. He is a fantastic doctor with a fantastic bedside manner read more

Doctor Yu is an excellent urologist. He treated me in connection with my bladder cancer. His surgery, performed robotically, successfully saved most of my bladder following the removal of the cancer. He and his team, in addition to their expertise, exhibit a professionalism that quickly produces confidence in the their abilities. As a generally healthy senior citizen of 88 years, it can be unnerving to put oneself in someone else's hands to address a potentially serious condition. The treatment I received under Dr. Yu's care, before, during and following my operation, was exceptional. I have no difficulty in recommending his services at all levels. John P. read more

At age 68, I have entered the stage of my life when 'procedures' are a fact of life. I went to Dr. Yu's offices to deal with a hardened prostate and a weak urine flow. James recommended a treatment called Urolift (4 small clips inserted in the prostate to open the passageway around the urethra}. The outpatient operation took minutes and took decades off my bladder functions. The staff of nurses, technical personel and office pros are all first rate and engaging. I was informed of every step of the way, all my questions answered and all fears laid to rest. I have become his biggest fan and a walking billboard for his medical expertise. read more

I came to Dr.Yu needing repairs on my left ureter tube. I had already been through a hysterectomy that gave me the injuries which sent me into septic shock. I came to Dr.Yu with not only a damaged ureter but also damaged trust. Marin General, the hospital which he operates out of, welcomed my baby, my husband and I with warm arms. They accommodated most of our requests and helped me through yet another operation. In addition to the overall superb care, Dr.Yu and his team respond quickly to messages on their patient portal. Thanks to Dr.Yu and his very capable team, I am no longer incontinent and am on my way to recovering. read more

I had robotic surgery with Dr. Yu in March at Marin General. It went as well as could be hoped. He had prepared us well for the surgery and made the decision-making process readily understandable. The follow-up care was excellent from both Dr Yu and his PA. The staff at the urology practice are wonderful and helpful. I have now been seen/treated by four of the doctors in the practice and they are all excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. One of the fun things to do after surgery is share your scars with your friends, but I cannot do this: the 5 scars are virtually invisible. Good thing, I guess. read more

Dr. Yu is that rare combination of exceptional surgical skill and great patient interaction. My husband had surgery with outstanding results and superior post op support and service . He not only took the time to thoroughly answer all the questions prior to surgery but also gave us his cel phone number after surgery which was very helpful since my husband was released from the hospital on a Friday. We were able to text Dr. Yu directly with a couple of questions over the weekend and efficiently get answers back. Today, we had another question and he replied back while on his vacation. Now that's great patient care! read more

My husband had an extremely positive experience with Dr Yu. The surgery was flawless, with no complications, and all of the post-op markers were off-the-chart positive. The recovery has been remarkably fast and my husband was fully ambulatory and continent from day one. In addition to his superb robotic surgical skills, what makes Dr Yu truly special is his deep interest and compassion for his patients, a willingness to listen to their concerns, and his ability to explain complex issues with great clarity. As a spouse who was closely involved in this process, I cannot recommend Dr Yu highly enough! read more

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2017, and was referred to Dr. Yu. We initially did "watchful waiting" for some time, but eventually we decided to go ahead with a prostatectomy. It was easy! I was rolled into surgery at Marin General, and the next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery. I had the expected side effects, but they were minor. Within a week or two I was feeling great, and now, four months post surgery, the side effects are gone, and I'm so glad we did the surgery. I am grateful to Dr. Yu for doing such a great job with my surgery. I can recommend him very highly. read more

I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Yu as my physician. I have been seeing him for 1 1/2 years for a growth on my kidney. Throughout monitoring my tumor and finally making the decision to have it removed, Dr. Yu gave me all of my options and told me what he recommended. He was very caring and knowledgeable and always made me feel I was not just another patient. The tumor ended up to be cancer. Dr. Yu gave me a great prognosis and considers my surgery curative. I cannot recommend him enough! I am so grateful to have been in his care. Thank you Dr. Yu! read more

Dr. james Yu is a terrific surgeon in all respects. His surgery of my bladder removal was perfectly performed with little after effects and minimal scars. He visited every day while in the hospital. His consultation prior to and after surgery was very informative. He took time to answer all our questions, even discussing my condition at length with my family while I was hospitalized.I recommend him most highly. Peter Carisetti, age 83 years. read more