Robotic Surgery In Urology

Robotic surgery was first developed by researchers at the NASA Research Center to perform operations on astronauts in space. In 1997, the first robotic cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery) was attempted. It was put into use after getting the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000.

How Is Robotic Surgery Performed

Robotic Surgery System is basically a closed surgical technique. The system, which allows the surgeon to perform the operation with the least possible incision, is a laparoscopic surgery system with a three-dimensional superior imaging and advanced technology very thin and sensitive instruments with a great range of motion capabilities. In urology surgeries, the ends of the robot's arms are connected to metal or plastic structures called trocars, which are opened from the patient's abdomen and inserted into the abdomen through 4 or 5 holes varying between 8 mm and 12 mm. The surgeon performs the surgery by sitting on the control panel (console) where he controls all the robot arms without touching the patient.

In recent years, robotic surgeries have become widespread in our country and surgeons who can perform them successfully are being trained.

Compared to classical laparoscopy and open surgery, robotic surgery has many advantages. Less blood loss, less pain, faster return to daily life and earlier discharge, less aesthetic incisions are the most important advantages for the patient. In addition, during robotic surgeries, the surgeon can provide better tumor control as a much clearer image is obtained. Therefore, robotic surgeries are much more effective than conventional surgeries.

In urology, robotic surgery is used in certain surgeries such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, renal outlet stenosis and ureterovesical stenosis (stenosis of the urinary canal into the bladder). It is widely used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Approximately 90% of prostate cancer surgeries in the USA are performed through robotic surgery. In our country, although this rate is lower yet, it is increasing day by day. The most important advantage in prostate cancer surgeries is that it allows for a much more effective tumor control, almost elimination of urinary incontinence, which has become a nightmare for patients, and a lower incidence of postoperative sexual dysfunction.

Since 2012, I have been using robotic surgery in every suitable operation, especially prostate cancer, bladder cancer and renal outlet stenosis surgeries.