Robotic Surgery

In Robotic Surgery, surgical instruments, including a video camera, are placed into the small cuts, which are attached to the arms of a robotic interface controlled by the surgeon from a robotic console. At the console, the surgeon can see a highly magnified and clear 3D view of the area to be operated upon.

What types of robotic surgery are there?

In urology, robot-assisted surgery is used to treat a variety of conditions such as bladder-, kidney- and prostate cancers or other non-cancer conditions of these organs.

The most used robotic procedures in urology are:

• Prostatectomy (removal of the prostate)
• Partial and radical Nephrectomy (removal of part or all of the kidney)
• Pyelo/Ureteroplasty (removal and reconstruction of part of the urinary tract)
• Cystectomy (removal of parts or all of the bladder)
• Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection or RPLND (removal of the lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen)

How safe is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is considered safe because it allows surgeons to perform difficult operations more easily than with traditional open surgery.

Robotic surgery has less bleeding and fewer problems. However, all operations involve some degree of risk. Surgeons performing robot-assisted surgery need to be experienced and well trained.

How does robotic surgery compare to laparoscopic surgery?

• As in robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery uses small cuts and a camera.
• In robotic surgery, the surgeon sits behind a console using hand controls to manipulate the robot. In laparoscopic surgery, the surgical tools are handled directly by the surgeon.
• The arms of the robot have a greater range of motion, whereas in laparoscopic surgery the range of motion of the surgical tools is usually limited to up, down and side to side.
• In robotic surgery, the images are three-dimensional. The surgeon has a magnified high -resolution view of the area being operated on. Although some laparoscopic surgery might offer 3D vision as well, the classical approach features two-dimensional images.
• Robotic surgery provides greater precision compared to laparoscopic surgery.
• In robotic surgery, the surgeon sits behind a console which is less tiring. This can mean a safer operation.
• Robotic surgery provides more possibilities for learning, mentoring, and training. Good quality surgery can be taught and learned.