BACKGROUND: Set-up and docking of the da Vinci surgical system are assumed to extend overall operating times. We hypothesized that these tasks could be achieved in adequate times. Therefore, a prospective analysis of set-up and docking times of the da Vinci Surgical System was conducted. METHODS: We prospectively analysed set-up and docking times with the da Vinci surgical system in our division. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were operated on over 30 months in our institution. Median set-up time was 22 (range 9-50) min and median docking time was 10 (range 2-70) min. Surgeons with previous docking experience were significantly faster than inexperienced surgeons: 8 (range 2-50) vs. 17.5 (range 10-70) min. Both set-up and docking showed a fast learning curve. CONCLUSION: The data support the conclusion that both set-up and docking of the robot can be achieved in adequate times and have a low impact on overall operating time.