Find an MSK Doctor or Cancer Specialist
Mario M. Leitao, Jr., MD, FACOG -- Co-Director, Robotic Surgery

Mario M. Leitao, Jr., MD, FACOG, FACS

Gynecologic Surgeon

My Role at MSK

Areas of Expertise

My Specialties

  • Gynecologic Cancers (Cervical, Uterine, Ovarian)
  • Complex Benign Gynecologic Conditions
  • Fertility-Sparing Radical Trachelectomy
View all
Dr. Leitao, Jr.'s Office Information
Languages: English
Request an Appointment
Our Care Advisors can answer many of your questions. They will connect you with the best healthcare provider for your needs.
Back to top
English
Share

About Me

What I Do at MSK
  • Fellowship Director, Gynecology Service
  • Director, Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery Program, Department of Surgery
Get To Know Me

I am a board-certified gynecologic oncologist who specializes in surgery for women with ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer.

Read more

I have a strong interest in providing minimally invasive surgical options for our patients, including both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures. In 2006, I became one of the first gynecologic oncologists to use the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform robotically-assisted procedures in women with benign and malignant gynecologic conditions. Minimally invasive procedures result in less blood loss than do traditional surgeries, allowing for shorter hospital stays and faster recuperation time for patients. I serve as the Director for the Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery Program in the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering and have helped to build one of the best and most experienced robotic surgery programs in the world across multiple surgical specialties.

I also perform radical procedures via traditional laparotomy in cases when these more-traditional surgeries may provide better results and longer survival. These include debulking for ovarian cancer and radical procedures for other gynecologic cancers. Additionally, using the robotic approach, I perform fertility-sparing surgery (radical trachelectomy) for women with early-stage cervical cancer. I continue to seek ways to improve outcomes for my patients and continuously seek to evaluate cutting edge technologies in surgery.

I also have a strong interest in clinical research. Research is vital for development of better treatments for all patients diagnosed with cancer. People with cancer face a difficult journey, and clinical trials are just one of the tools I offer my patients to help them during this time. I serve as the principal investigator at Memorial Sloan Kettering for the Gynecologic Oncology Group — a national group conducting quality cooperative research at many institutions throughout the country.

In 2004, I completed my fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering and received the Michael E. Burt Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence. I then became Director of Gynecologic Services at the New Jersey Medical School, where I received the National Faculty Award from the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I joined the Memorial Sloan Kettering staff in 2007. I am a member of many medical societies and the author of peer-reviewed scientific articles, chapters, and reviews.

I am at the Main Campus in Manhattan Monday through Thursday, and I see patients every Friday at our Basking Ridge, New Jersey, location.

My Role at MSK

A gynecologic (GY-neh-kuh-LAH-jik) surgeon is a doctor with special training in surgery on the female reproductive system. This includes the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina.

Areas of Expertise

My Specialties

  • Gynecologic Cancers (Cervical, Uterine, Ovarian)
  • Complex Benign Gynecologic Conditions
  • Fertility-Sparing Radical Trachelectomy
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Robotic Surgery
Education & Honors

Education

  • MD, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Residencies

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology - Beth Israel Medical Center

Awards and Honors

  • Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctor (2024)
  • Top Doctors New York Metro Area, Castle Connolly (2023)
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctor - 5 Years
  • Castle Connolly: America's Top Doctors (2015-2023)
  • 2021 Top Reviewers, International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer (2021)
  • Castle Connolly: New York Magazine Top Doctors (2021, 2017)
  • Reviewer of the Month, International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer (2019)
  • NJ BIZ Healthcare Heroes Physician of the Year finalist (2017)
  • Best Doctors in America® distinction, Best Doctors Inc. (2007-2016)
  • Fellow (FACS), American College of Surgeons (2014)
  • Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing, Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports (2013)
  • Named a "Top Oncologist in New York," International Association of Oncologists (IAO [2013])
  • Honorable Mention Scientific Paper/Gynecology, SLS-MIRA-SRS Joint Annual Meeting & Endo Expo (2012)
  • Recognized as one of “America’s Most Compassionate Doctors, The Patients’ Choice recognition program (PatientsChoice.org [2012])
  • Named in Consumers’ Research Council of America’s “Guide to America’s Top Oncologists” (2010, 2007)
  • Scope of Excellence Award, Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation (2010)
  • Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals (2010)
  • Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology National Faculty Award, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (2006)
  • Michael E. Burt Award for Clinical Excellence, Department of Surgery, MSKCC (2004)
  • Merit Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology 38th Annual Meeting (2002)
  • Outstanding Poster Award, New York Obstetrical Society (2002)
  • Best Poster Presentation Award, Glaxo Smith Kline National Gynecologic Oncology Fellows Forum (2002)
  • Outstanding Fellow Paper Award, New York Obstetrical Society (2001)
  • Berlex Best Teaching Resident Award, Beth Israel Medical Center (1998)

Fellowships

  • Gynecologic Oncology - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Board Certifications

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Gynecologic Oncology

Insurance Information

Understanding your insurance options is an important part of managing your cancer care. We have relationships with many common healthcare providers and plans.

Aetna

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS, Transplant

Aetna Medicare Advantage (MTA and NYC retirees only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Anthem BCBS and other BCBS licensee plans

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

See updates

Anthem BCBS Health Plus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO, DSN

See updates

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

See updates

Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS

See updates

Carrum Health

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

Cigna

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Connecticare

In Network Coverage Type
POS, EPO, HMO

Emblem

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.

Emblem Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Emblem Medicare Advantage (Medicare Choice PPO Network and VIP Prime Network Only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Empire Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Empire Plan / NYSHIP (Blue Cross/UnitedHealthcare split plan)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Fidelis

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.

Fidelis Managed Medicaid & HARP

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Fidelis Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

First Health

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Healthfirst

In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.

Healthfirst Managed Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Healthsmart

In Network Coverage Type
PPO EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (HMO)

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (PPO)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier I (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier II (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Horizon Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Husky CT Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Magnacare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO

Straight NJ Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Straight NY Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare)

In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

MVP

In Network Coverage Type
PPO/OAP

Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

NYC Medicare Advantage Plus for City Employees

In Network Coverage Type
TBD

Oscar

In Network Coverage Type
HMO/EPO

Oxford

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, EPO

World Trade Center Health Program (WTC)

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Qualcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Tricare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

UMR

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS

United Healthcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Don't see your carrier or plan? We can help you understand your coverage.

If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.

If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.

Make an Appointment

Women talking
New Patients
Scheduling an appointment is easy. Click or call 646-497-9055— we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Make an Appointment
Current Patients
Request an appointment by logging on to MyMSK or calling your doctor’s office. If you aren’t registered for MyMSK, call 646-227-2593 for your Enrollment ID.

Contact and Location

Dr. Leitao, Jr. sees patients at two locations.

Office Phone
Location
New York, NY
Basking Ridge, NJ
Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion
160 East 53rd Street New York NY 10022
Get Directions
Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge
136 Mountain View Boulevard Basking Ridge NJ 07920
Get Directions

Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.

Colleagues

Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.

See all Gynecology Service doctors

Clinical Trials

Smiling doctors in the lab
Find a Clinical Trial for You

Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.

You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.

Search clinical trials

Research and Publications

Salvo G, Ramirez PT, Leitao MM, Cibula D, Wu X, Falconer H, Persson J, Perrotta M, Mosgaard BJ, Kucukmetin A, Berlev I, Rendon G, Liu K, Vieira M, Capilna ME, Fotopoulou C, Baiocchi G, Kaidarova D, Ribeiro R, Pedra-Nobre S, Kocian R, Li X, Li J, Palsdottir K, Noll F, Rundle S, Ulrikh E, Hu Z, Gheirghe M, Saso S, Bolatbekova R, Tsunoda A, Pitcher B, Wu J, Urbauer D, Pareja R. Open versus minimally invasive radiacal trachelectomy in early-stage cervical cancer: International Radical Trachelectomy Assessment Study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022;226:97.e1-97.e16.

Manning-Geist B, Chi DS, Long Roche K, Zivanovic O, Sonoda Y, Gardner GJ, O’Cearbhaill RE, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao MM Jr. Quaternary and beyond cytoreduction: an updated and expanded analysis. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2021 Aug 24;37:100851. doi: 10.1016/j.gore.2021.100851. eCollection 2021 Aug. PMID: 34485661

Wenzel L, Osann K, McKinney C, Cella D, Fulci G, Scroggins MJ, Lankes HA, Wang V, Nephew KP, Maxwell GL, Mok SC, COnrads TP, Miller A, Mannel RS, Gray HJ, Hanjani P, Huh WK, Spirtos N, Leitao MM, Glaser G, Sharma SK, Santin AD, Sperduto P, Lele SB, Burger RA, Monk BJ, Birrer M. Quality of life and adverse events: prognostic relationships in long-term ovarian cancer survival. J Natl Cancer Inst 2021;113:1369-1378.

Read more

Manning-Geist B, Chi DS, Long Roche K, Zivanovic O, Sonoda Y, Gardner GJ, O’Cearbhaill RE, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao MM Jr. Tertiary cytoreduction for recurrent ovarian carcinoma: an updated and expanded analysis. Gynecol Oncol 2021;162:345-352.

Leitao MM Jr, Zhou QC, Schiavone MB, Cowan RA, Smith ES, Iasonos A, Veith M, Rafizadeh M, Curran K, Ramesh B, Chang K, Chi DS, Sonoda Y, Brown AK, Cosin JA, Abu-Rustum NR, Martino MA, Mueller JJ, Long Roche K, Jewell EL, Broach V, Lambrou NC, Diaz JP, Zivanovic O. Prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy in postoperative incision management: a randomized clinical trial. Obstet Gynecol 2021;137:334-341.

Moloney K, Janda MM, Frumovitz M, Leitao M Jr, Abu-Rustum N, Rossi E, Nicklin JL, Plante M, Lecuru F, Buda A, Mariani A, Leung Y, Ferguson S, Pareja R, Kimmig R, Tong PSY, McNally O, Chetty N, Kaijiang L, Jaaback K, Lau J, Ng J, Falconer H, Persson J, Land R, Martinelli F, Garrett A, Altman A, Pendlebury A, Cibula D, Altamirano-Assad R, Brennan D, Ind T, de Kroon C, Tse KY, Hanna GB, Obermair A. Development of a surgical competency assessment tool for sentinel lymph node dissection by minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2021;31:647-655.

Stasenko M, Jayakumaran G, Cowan R, Broach V, Chi D, Rossi A, Hollman T, Zehir A, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao Jr MM. Genomic alterations as potential therapeutic targets in extramammary paget’s disease of the vulva. JCO Precis Oncol 2020 Sep 15;4:PO.20.00073. doi:10.1200/PO.20.00073.

Zivanovic O, Chen L, Vickers A, Straubhar A, Baser R, Veith M, Aiken N, Carter J, Curran K, Simon B, Mueller J, Jewell E, Chi D, Sonoda Y, Abu-Rustum N, Leitao Jr MM. Electronic patient-reported symptom monitoring in patients recovering from ambulatory minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: a prospective pilot study. Gynecol Oncol 2020;159:187-194.

Brandt B, Sioulas V, Basaran D, Kuhn T, LaVigne K, Gardner GJ, Sonoda Y, Chi DS, Roche KCL, Mueller JJ, Jewell EL, Broach VA, Zivanovic O, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao Jr MM. Minimally invasive surgery versus laparotomy for radical hysterectomy in the management of early-stage cervical cancer: survival outcomes. Gynecol Oncol 2020;156:591-597.

Chase DM, Huang HQ, Monk BJ, Ramondetta LM, Penson RT, Gil K, Landrum LM, Leitao MM, Oaknin A, Huh WK, Pulaski HL, Robison K, Guntupalli SR, Richardson D, Salani R, Sill MW, Wenzel LB, Tewari KS. Patient-reported outcomes at discontinuation of anti-angiogenesis therapy in the randomized trial of chemotherapy with bevacizumab for advanced cervical cancer: An NRG Oncology Group study. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2020;30:596-601.

Leitao Jr MM, Zhou QC, Gomez-Hidalgo NR, Iasonos A, Baser R, Mezzancello M, Chang K, Ward J, Chi DS, Long K, Sonoda Y, Brown CL, Mueller J, Gardner G, Jewell E, Broach V, Zivanovic O, Dowdy SC, Mariani A, Abu-Rustum NR. Patient reported outcomes after surgery for endometrial carcinoma: prevalence of lower extremity lymphedema after sentinel lymph node mapping compared to lymphadenectomy. Gynecol Oncol 2020;156:147-153.

Schlappe BA, Weaver AL, McGree ME, Ducie J, Eriksson AGZ, Dowdy SC, Cliby WA, Glaser GE, Abu-Rustum NR, Mariani A, Leitao Jr MM. Multicenter study comparing oncologic outcomes after lymph node assessment via a sentinel lymph node algorithm versus comprehensive pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in patients with serous and clear cell endometrial carcinoma. Gynecol Oncol 2020;156:62-69.

Cybulska P, Sioulas V, Orfanelli T, Zivanovic O, Mueller JJ, Broach VA, Roche KL, Sonoda Y, Hensley ML, O’Cearbhaill RE, Chi DS, Alektiar KM, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao M. Secondary surgical resection for patients with recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma. Gynecol Oncol 2019;154:333-337.

Aloisi A, Tseng JH, Sandadi S, Callery R, Feinberg J, Kuhn T, Gardner GJ, Sonoda Y, Brown CL, Jewell EL, Barakat RR, Leitao Jr MM. Is robotic-assisted surgery safe in the elderly population? An analysis of gynecologic procedures in patients ≥65 years old. Ann Surg Oncol 2019;26:244-251.

Schlappe BA, Weaver AL, Ducie JA, Eriksson AGZ, Dowdy SC, Cliby WA, Glaser GE, Soslow RA, Alektiar KM, Makker V, Abu-Rustum NR, Mariani A, Leitao M. Multicenter study comparing oncologic outcomes between two nodal assessment methods in patients with deeply invasive endometrioid endometrial carcinoma: a sentinel lymph node algorithm versus a comprehensive pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. Gynecol Oncol 2018;151:235-242.

Tseng JH, Aloisi A, Sonoda Y, Gardner GJ, Zivanovic O, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao MM Jr. Long-term oncologic outcomes of uterine-preserving surgery in young women with stage IB1 cervical cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2018;28:1350-1359.

Ducie JA, Eriksson AGZ, Ali N, McGree ME, Weaver AL, Bogani G, Cliby WA, Dowdy SC, Bakkum-Gamez JN, Soslow RA, Keeney GL, Abu-Rustum NR, Mariani A, Leitao Jr MM. Comparison of a sentinel lymph node mapping algorithm and a comprehensive lymphadenectomy for the detection of stage IIIC disease in endometrial carcinomas at higher risk for nodal disease. Gynecol Oncol 2017;147:541-548.

Eriksson AGZ, Graul A, Yu MC, Halko A, Chi DS, Zivanovic O, Gardner GJ, Sonoda Y, Barakat RR, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao Jr MM. Minimal access surgery compared to laparotomy for secondary surgical cytoreduction in patients with recurrent ovarian carcinoma: perioperative and oncologic outcomes. Gynecol Oncol 2017;146:263-267.

 

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Leitao, Jr.’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

See all on PubMed

Disclosures

Doctors and faculty members often work with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology, and life sciences companies, and other organizations outside of MSK, to find safe and effective cancer treatments, to improve patient care, and to educate the health care community.

MSK requires doctors and faculty members to report (“disclose”) the relationships and financial interests they have with external entities. As a commitment to transparency with our community, we make that information available to the public.

Mario M. Leitao, Jr. discloses the following relationships and financial interests:

  • Anderson Murphy Hopkins, LLP
    Professional Services and Activities
  • Elsevier
    Intellectual Property Rights
  • Ethicon
    Professional Services and Activities
  • Intuitive Surgical Inc.
    Professional Services and Activities
  • Kilcoyne & Nesbitt, LLC
    Professional Services and Activities
  • McDaniel Law Firm
    Professional Services and Activities
  • Medtronic
    Professional Services and Activities (Uncompensated)
  • MJH Life Sciences
    Professional Services and Activities
  • UptoDate
    Intellectual Property Rights

If you’re a patient at MSK and would like more information about your doctor’s external relationships, please talk with your doctor.

The information published here is a complement to other publicly reported data and is for a specific annual disclosure period. There may be differences between information on this and other public sites as a result of different reporting periods and/or the various ways relationships and financial interests are categorized by organizations that publish such data.

This page and data include information for a specific MSK annual disclosure period (January 1, 2023 through disclosure submission in spring 2024). This data reflects interests that may or may not still exist. This data is updated annually.

Learn more about MSK’s COI policies here. For questions regarding MSK’s COI-related policies and procedures, email MSK’s Compliance Office at [email protected].


View all disclosures

Related topics: