What is robotic surgery?

WHAT IS ROBOTIC SURGERY?

Robotic Surgery is surgery performed with the da Vinci Robotic System, which comprises three components:

• Surgeon console,
• 4-armed robot,
• 3D visualization system.

The surgical instruments are held by the robot’s arms and during surgery, they are inserted into the body through tiny incisions. The surgeon maneuvers the instruments with controls on the console. Compared to traditional surgery, the instruments are maneuvered more precisely and without tremor. The surgeon sees a magnified, three-dimensional image.

All these technological advantages enable the surgeon to perform the surgery with high precision.

RADICAL ROBOTIC PROSTATECTOMY or ROBOTIC PROSTATE SURGERY?

With Radical Robotic Prostatectomy, the entire cancerous prostate is removed. The Prostatectomy is performed with the da Vinci Robotic System through a few small incisions. Because the procedure is carried out with high precision, the patients recover faster, regain their ability to control urination as well as regain erectile function. As with any surgical procedure, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is both patient and treatment specific.

ARE YOU AN APPROPRIATE CANDIDATE FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY?

Candidates for Robotic Prostate Surgery include prostate cancer patients whose cancer is confined to the prostate and who are in good general health and younger than 70.

Upon an examination, our specialist suggests alternatives and treatments for the prostate cancer. There are various treatments available for prostate cancer. The right choice depends on the metastasis of the cancer, on the general health of the patient and on the patient’s personal decision.

BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC SURGERY AND COMPARISON

WITH OPEN METHOD OF SURGERY

• Less blood loss,
• Less pain,
• Fewer complications,
• Less scarring,
• Less risk of infection,
• Quicker return to normal activities,
• Less risk of urinary incontinence,
• Less risk of erectile dysfunction.

 Results demonstrate that robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy can deliver improved clinical outcomes without compromising cancer control. The method of robotic prostatectomy offers the benefits of minimally invasive surgery and does not compromise clinical or pathological outcomes.

DA VINCI SURGICAL SYSTEM

The da Vinci Surgical System enables the surgeon to perform complex surgical procedures through small incisions. The 3D visualization system magnifies the image up to ten times, so the procedure can be performed more accurately.

Benefits for the patient are:

• Less pain,
• Less blood loss,
• Less scarring,
• Quicker recovery,
• Quicker return to the normal work environment,
• In most cases, better clinical results.

The da Vinci Surgical Robotic System consists of a console and a robot. The surgeon sits by the console maneuvering the robotic arms, to which surgical instruments are attached. Benefits of the da Vinci Robotic System over laparoscopic surgery are: 3D vision, 10x magnification, increased range of motion of the instruments and a filter which reduces tremor. Traditional open surgery procedures can be performed endoscopically through small incisions by using the da Vinci System.

Patients who choose a procedure by the da Vinci System enjoy the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, including less pain, less blood loss and fewer transfusions. Furthermore, the da Vinci System shortens the hospital stay, enables faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities. Clinical studies also suggest that the da Vinci System may help surgeons achieve better clinical outcomes in comparison to standard technology – i.e. better cancer control, a low incidence of erectile dysfunction and incontinence with da Vinci Prostatectomy.

• A console and a robot

• A Robotic System in the operating room

• The surgeon maneuvering the robotic arms

• Increased range of motion of the instruments