Robotics surgery – benefits of today’s tools

For the past two decades, robotics has increased in its use by many of today’s surgeons.

But, two decades ago when robotics made its debut in the OR, the decision on whether to use it depended heavily on a variety of factors. Limitations on a person’s weight or other health-related conditions often eliminated a patient from eligibility. Additionally, robotics was limited to just a few conditions and relied on physicians’ training and familiarity with the new tools.

Today, however, robotics is more the norm than the exception for many conditions or it’s at least a more regular option on the operating table than in the past.

Common robotic surgeries

In urology, depending on the patient’s specific case, robotics can be used for a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Prostate Cancer – to perform a prostatectomy to remove the prostate
• Kidney Disorder or Cancer – to perform a complete or partial nephrectomy (removal of the kidney)
• Bladder Cancer – to perform a cystectomy, which is the surgical removal of all or part of the urinary bladder
• Urinary Blockage – to perform a pyeloplasty to remove the blockage and reattach the healthy part of the kidney to the healthy part of the ureter

Benefits of today’s robotics

Most patients continue to see the initial benefits robotics surgery promised: faster recovery, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.

Due to improvements and advancements, today’s robotics offer even more benefits. More obese patients now qualify as candidates. Precision has increased even further. And, more healthcare providers are offering robotics as an option.

The Urology Group has used robotics for nearly as long as our group has existed, and our staff of robotic surgeons has significantly increased over the past several years. We look forward to continuing to grow our expertise as the market introduces the next wave of robotic tools that are even more nimble and capable of performing even more complex procedures.