daVinci Surgery

DaVinci Surgery Robotic Surgery at Southland Urology

DaVinci robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical system used in urology to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision and control. The system translates a surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. This advanced technology offers significant benefits over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, and a faster recovery time.

Understanding daVinci Robotic Surgery

What is daVinci Robotic Surgery?

The daVinci Surgical System is an advanced robotic platform that allows surgeons to perform a wide range of complex procedures with greater precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with conventional techniques. While it is often called “robotic surgery,” the system does not act on its own. Instead, it is a sophisticated tool that is fully controlled by a surgeon from a console. The system’s robotic arms hold and manipulate surgical instruments, while a high-definition 3D camera provides a magnified, immersive view of the surgical site.

The Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery

DaVinci robotic surgery offers several key advantages over traditional open surgery. Because the procedure is performed through small, keyhole incisions, patients typically experience significantly less pain and blood loss. The precision of the robotic instruments allows for better preservation of surrounding nerves and tissues, which can lead to better outcomes, particularly in urologic procedures like prostatectomies. Patients also generally have a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to their normal activities, as the recovery process is less physically demanding.

Common DaVinci Urologic Procedures

The daVinci system is widely used in urology for a variety of conditions, ranging from benign issues to complex cancers. One of the most common applications is robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate gland for prostate cancer. The precision of the robot helps surgeons to carefully navigate and preserve the delicate nerves responsible for erectile function and urinary control.

Another key procedure is robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy, where a surgeon removes a cancerous tumor from the kidney while preserving the healthy portion of the kidney. The daVinci system’s dexterity allows for very precise tumor excision and suturing. Other procedures include robotic pyeloplasty to repair a blockage in the kidney drainage system and robotic cystectomy for the removal of the bladder in cases of bladder cancer.

How the Procedure is Performed

During a daVinci robotic surgery, the patient is placed on an operating table, and a series of small incisions are made. Through these incisions, the surgeon inserts the robotic instruments and the high-definition camera. The surgeon then moves to a separate console, which provides a magnified, 3D view of the surgical field. Using master controls, the surgeon’s hand and wrist movements are translated in real time to the tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. The instruments have a greater range of motion than the human hand, which enhances a surgeon’s ability to operate in small, difficult-to-reach areas. The surgical team at the operating table assists with exchanging instruments and managing the procedure.

Is Robotic Surgery Right for You?

While daVinci robotic surgery offers many benefits, it is not the right choice for every patient or every condition. Your urologist will discuss all of your treatment options with you and help you decide on the best course of action. Factors such as the size and location of a tumor, the stage of a cancer, and your overall health will all be considered when determining if you are a candidate for a robotic-assisted procedure.