Chesapeake Urology Associates :: About Robotic Surgery

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About Robotic Surgery

Chesapeake Urology's physicians perform robotic-assisted surgeries for several different types of urologic surgery, including the radical prostatectomy, which is the most common treatment for prostate cancer. Robotic surgeries are performed using the da Vinci Surgical System, a technologically advanced system that utilizes robotic instruments introduced via tiny incisions or laparoscopic ports. These instruments are under the direct control of the surgeon and provide added precision and dexterity, and offer more control and range of motion than standard instruments. Additionally, the specialized telescope of the robot allows the surgeon to see the operative field under 12X magnification and in three dimensions, as opposed to the two dimensional view that standard laparoscopy offers to provide greater visual detail than has ever been possible.

Robotic Prostatectomy

daVinci Prostatectomy

Robotic prostatectomy or robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is the complete surgical removal of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. The procedure is performed laparoscopically using the da Vinci Surgical System. The da Vinci Surgical System provides the surgeon with better vision and better 'hands' through the use of advanced optics and computer and robotic technology.

How Is a Robotic Prostatectomy Performed?

The procedure is begun by inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas in order to provide the surgeon with "working room". Next, six small incisions, 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length, are made in the abdomen and plastic or metal ports are installed to keep the incisions open. Seated at the da Vinci System console nearby and using both the laparoscopic surgical instruments and a pencil-sized video camera, the surgeon directs the da Vinci's robotic arms to dissect the prostate gland and adjacent tissue. The video camera's 12X magnification and 3D view enable the surgeon to identify the many delicate nerves, tiny blood vessels, and other structures surrounding the prostate gland.

What Advantages Does Robotic Prostatectomy Offer?

Robotic prostatectomy, which has been shown to be as effective as conventional procedures in treating localized prostate cancer, offers these advantages:

Patient Benefits

For qualified candidates, the robotic prostatectomy offers numerous potential benefits over the traditional open prostatectomy, including:

Shorter hospital stay
Less post-operative pain and pain medication
Less anesthesia
Less blood loss and transfusions
No blood donation necessary from patient
Less scarring
Fewer postoperative complications than open surgery including fewer post operative infections
Faster and more complete recovery and quicker return to normal daily activities
Covered by almost all insurance

Surgeon Benefits

The da Vinci(C) Surgical System used at USMD Hospital for robotic prostatectomy extends the surgeon's capabilities to provide these significant benefits:

3-D Visualization: Provides the surgeon with a true 3-dimensional view of the operating field. This direct and natural hand-eye instrument alignment is similar to open surgery with "all-around" vision and the ability to zoom-in and zoom-out.
Dexterity: Provides the surgeon with instinctive operative controls that make complex minimally invasive surgery procedures feel more like open surgery than laparoscopic surgery.
Surgical Precision: Permits the surgeon to move instruments with such accuracy that the current definition of surgical precision is exceeded.
Access: Surgeon performs complex surgical maneuvers through 9-mm ports, eliminating the need for large traumatic incisions.
Range of Motion: EndoWrist Instruments restore full range of motion and ability to rotate instruments more than 360 degrees through tiny incisions.
Reproducibility: Enchances the surgeon's ability to repetitively perform technically precise maneuvers such as endoscopic suturing and dissetion.