Robotic Surgery Types

Several types of procedures can be performed with robotic surgery - three common types performed at Northwest Texas Healthcare System include prostate, kidney and gynecologic surgery. The benefits of robotic surgery over open surgery are generally the same for all procedures; they may include:

• Significantly less pain post-operatively (often only over-the-counter pain medications are required)
• Quicker recovery time and return to normal activities (one to two weeks versus six to eight weeks)
• Fewer complications and less risk of infection
• Less scarring: Small, dime-sized incisions versus a six- to eight-inch scar.

Robotic Surgery for Prostate Disease

Studies indicate that one of the most effective treatments for prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy - surgical removal of the prostate and surrounding cancerous tissues. U.S. surgeons generally use one of three approaches: open surgery (which requires a large incision in the patient's abdomen) or laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery - both of which are minimally invasive procedures. Regardless of the surgical method, the surgeon's goal is the same: remove the prostate gland from the surrounding tissue causing as little damage as possible to nerves and blood vessels in the area. The da Vinci® Surgical System, the robotic system used by doctors at Northwest Texas Healthcare System, uses advanced robotic technology to provide a 3D depth of field and allow a surgeon's hand movements to be translated into precise micro-movements of tiny instruments at the operative site. The high-definition visualization and enhanced dexterity, precision and control enable the surgeon to perform complex procedures — like radical prostatectomy — through dime-sized operating "ports." For many patients, robotic surgery may result in substantially less pain and a much shorter recovery time than traditional prostate surgery and sometimes even shorter than standard laparoscopy.

Robotic Surgery for Kidney Disease

The kidneys can become damaged by several conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, cysts, stones and infections as well as injuries or medications. Many kidney surgeries have required removal of the entire kidney, called a radical nephrectomy, which is an open procedure that requires a 6- to 8-inch incision. But even partial nephrectomy, in which part of the kidney is removed, has required an open procedure. This means that patients have not, until recently, had the option of laparoscopic surgery, which is minimally-invasive surgery using small incisions. The da Vinci® Surgical System may be used for both radical and partial nephrectomy. The system uses advanced robotic technology to provide a 3D depth of field and allow a surgeon's hand movements to be translated into precise micro-movements of tiny instruments at the operative site. High-definition visualization enables the surgeon to perform complex procedures through dime-sized operating "ports" in the body.

Robotic Surgery for Gynecologic Conditions

Open gynecologic surgery, in which a large incision is made in the abdomen so a surgeon can access the uterus and surrounding anatomy, has been the standard approach to gynecologic procedures for years. However, open surgery can cause significant pain, physical trauma and a long recovery process. In recent years, robotic surgery has become an alternative to standard open surgery as well as standard laparoscopic procedures. The da Vinci® Surgical System uses advanced robotic technology to provide a 3D depth of field and allow a surgeon's hand movements to be translated into precise micro-movements of tiny instruments at the operative site. High-definition visualization enables the surgeon to perform complex procedures through dime-sized operating "ports"in the abdomen. For some women, robotic gynecologic surgery may be a good alternative to open surgery or standard laparoscopic procedures.

Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.