Robotic Surgery in Urological Diseases

Urology is one of the most common fields where the da Vinci robotic surgical system is utilized. In robot-assisted surgical procedures, the three-dimensional visualization and at least 10-fold magnification of the image, along with the robot’s versatile range of motion, provide significant advantages for both the surgeon and the patient in every stage of the operation.

List of robotic surgeries

Robotic radical prostatectomy; The surgical treatment of prostate cancer, , is successfully performed with robotic assistance. In prostate cancer, the prostate itself, along with its capsule and seminal vesicles (glands), are removed. Robotic surgery provides clearer visibility, allowing for the preservation of nerves and blood vessels close to the prostate, thus reducing the occurrence of problems such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence after surgery.

Robotic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the prostate gland in cases of prostate cancer. It is performed using a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, which allows for precise and controlled movements by the surgeon. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and specialized robotic instruments, controlled by the surgeon from a console, are inserted to remove the prostate gland. The high-definition camera provides magnified, 3D images, enabling enhanced visibility and accuracy.

After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring. Recovery involves gradually resuming normal activities, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction, which can improve over time with rehabilitation exercises and medication. Regular follow-up appointments with the urologist are essential to monitor recovery, manage any complications, and assess long-term outcomes, including cancer recurrence. Overall, robotic radical prostatectomy offers shorter hospital stays, reduced pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic adenomectomy (RAPA); Robotic adenomectomy (RAPA) is a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by removing the enlarged part of the prostate gland while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. It is performed using a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, which offers enhanced precision and control.

During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and robotic arms with specialized instruments are inserted to access and remove the enlarged prostate tissue. The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robotic arms with high-definition, 3D visualization, allowing for precise movements and improved accuracy.

After RAPA, patients typically spend a short time in the hospital for monitoring, usually less than 24 hours. Recovery involves gradually returning to normal activities, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few weeks. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as urinary urgency, frequency, or discomfort, which can improve with time and medication. Follow-up appointments with the urologist are important to monitor recovery progress, manage any complications, and assess long-term outcomes, including improvement in urinary symptoms. Overall, RAPA offers reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery for BPH.

Robotic radical cystectomy and neobladder;
Robotic radical cystectomy with neobladder reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to treat invasive bladder cancer by removing the bladder and creating a new bladder-like reservoir (neobladder) from a section of the small intestine. It is performed using a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, which provides enhanced precision and dexterity.

During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and robotic arms with specialized instruments are inserted to access and remove the bladder, surrounding lymph nodes, and any affected tissues. The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robotic arms with high-definition, 3D visualization, allowing for precise movements and improved accuracy.

After the surgery, patients may stay in the hospital for about a week for monitoring and recovery. Recovery involves managing pain, gradually resuming normal activities, and learning how to self-catheterize to empty the neobladder. Patients may experience changes in urinary function, including frequency, urgency, and nighttime voiding, which can improve over time with rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle adjustments. Follow-up appointments with the urologist are essential to monitor recovery progress, manage complications, and ensure proper functioning of the neobladder. Overall, robotic radical cystectomy with neobladder reconstruction offers reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic radical nephrectomy; Robotic radical nephrectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the entire affected kidney, typically due to kidney cancer. It is performed using a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, which offers enhanced precision and control.

During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and robotic arms with specialized instruments are inserted to access and remove the kidney, surrounding tissues, and lymph nodes if necessary. The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robotic arms with high-definition, 3D visualization, allowing for precise movements and improved accuracy.

After the surgery, patients may stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery. Recovery involves managing pain, gradually resuming normal activities, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain at the incision sites, fatigue, or changes in urinary function, which can improve over time. Follow-up appointments with the urologist are important to monitor recovery progress, manage any complications, and assess long-term outcomes. Overall, robotic radical nephrectomy offers reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic partial nephrectomy; Robotic partial nephrectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove only the diseased portion of the kidney, typically to treat small kidney tumors while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. It is performed using a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, which offers enhanced precision and control.

During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and robotic arms with specialized instruments are inserted to access and remove the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robotic arms with high-definition, 3D visualization, allowing for precise movements and improved accuracy.

After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery. Recovery involves managing pain, gradually resuming normal activities, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain at the incision sites, fatigue, or changes in urinary function, which can improve over time. Follow-up appointments with the urologist are important to monitor recovery progress, manage any complications, and assess long-term outcomes. Overall, robotic partial nephrectomy offers reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic adrenalectomy; Robotic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove one or both adrenal glands, typically to treat adrenal tumors or conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or hyperaldosteronism. It is performed using a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, which offers enhanced precision and control.

During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and robotic arms with specialized instruments are inserted to access and remove the adrenal gland(s). The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robotic arms with high-definition, 3D visualization, allowing for precise movements and improved accuracy.

After the surgery, patients may stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring and recovery. Recovery involves managing pain, gradually resuming normal activities, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain at the incision sites, fatigue, or changes in hormone levels, which can be managed with medication. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor recovery progress, manage any complications, and assess long-term outcomes. Overall, robotic adrenalectomy offers reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic radical nephroureterectomy; Robotic radical nephroureterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the kidney, ureter, and bladder cuff in cases of upper urinary tract cancer, typically transitional cell carcinoma. It is performed using a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, which offers enhanced precision and control.

During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and robotic arms with specialized instruments are inserted to access and remove the affected kidney, ureter, and bladder cuff. The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robotic arms with high-definition, 3D visualization, allowing for precise movements and improved accuracy.

After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery. Recovery involves managing pain, gradually resuming normal activities, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain at the incision sites, fatigue, or changes in urinary function, which can improve over time. Follow-up appointments with the urologist are important to monitor recovery progress, manage any complications, and assess long-term outcomes. Overall, robotic radical nephroureterectomy offers reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND); Robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove lymph nodes in the retroperitoneal area, typically to treat testicular cancer or other cancers that have spread to these lymph nodes. It is performed using a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, which offers enhanced precision and control.

During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and robotic arms with specialized instruments are inserted to access and remove the affected lymph nodes. The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robotic arms with high-definition, 3D visualization, allowing for precise movements and improved accuracy.

After the surgery, patients may stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery. Recovery involves managing pain, gradually resuming normal activities, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain at the incision sites, fatigue, or changes in bowel function, which can improve over time. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor recovery progress, manage any complications, and assess long-term outcomes. Overall, robotic RPLND offers reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic Pyeloplasty (correction of ureteropelvic junction obstruction);. Robotic pyeloplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, a condition where there is a blockage at the point where the ureter connects to the kidney. It is performed using a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, which offers enhanced precision and control.

During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and robotic arms with specialized instruments are inserted to access and repair the obstructed area. The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robotic arms with high-definition, 3D visualization, allowing for precise movements and improved accuracy.

After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring and recovery. Recovery involves managing pain, gradually resuming normal activities, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain at the incision sites, fatigue, or changes in urinary function, which can improve over time. Follow-up appointments with the urologist are important to monitor recovery progress, manage any complications, and assess long-term outcomes. Overall, robotic pyeloplasty offers reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic Sacrocolpopexy; Robotic sacrocolpopexy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, where organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum descend into the vagina. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a robotic surgical system, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, is used to attach a mesh to the top of the vagina and the sacrum (tailbone). This provides support to lift and suspend the prolapsed organs back into their correct position. The surgeon controls the robotic arms with high-definition, 3D visualization, ensuring precise placement of the mesh.

After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring. Recovery involves managing pain, gradually resuming normal activities, and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain at the incision sites, vaginal discharge, or urinary frequency, which can improve over time. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor recovery progress, manage any complications, and assess long-term outcomes. Overall, robotic sacrocolpopexy offers reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Benefits of robotic surgeries

•Less incisions: Robotic procedures typically require smaller incisions, leading to less tissue damage and reduced risk of bleeding.

• Less pain: Smaller incisions result in less trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to reduced postoperative pain and discomfort for patients.

• Less scars: The smaller incisions in robotic surgery lead to smaller scars, which are less noticeable and can improve cosmetic outcomes.

• Faster recovery: With reduced tissue trauma and postoperative pain, patients undergoing robotic surgery often experience faster recovery times compared to traditional surgeries.

• Less risk of infection: Robotic surgeries typically involve smaller incisions, reducing the risk of infection compared to larger incisions in open surgeries.

• Less risk of complications: The precision and accuracy of robotic systems minimize the risk of intraoperative complications, leading to improved surgical outcomes.

• Quicker return to normal life: Due to faster recovery times and reduced postoperative pain, patients undergoing robotic surgery can typically return to their normal activities sooner than those undergoing traditional open surgeries.