Robotic Surgery Used to Treat Kidney and Prostate Cancers

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used in the treatment of some urologic conditions. The doctors of The Urology Specialists of Maryland at Mercy use the da Vinci Surgical System to perform robotic surgery.

The da Vinci robot assists the doctor during surgery allowing for more precision, flexibility and control than conventional surgery. The da Vinci robot is typically used for minimally invasive surgical procedures performed through several small incisions.

Robotic surgery offers patients many distinct advantages. For most patients, robotic surgery offers the following:

• Faster recovery
• Smaller – almost undetectable – incisions
• Less pain
• A shorter hospital stay
• The ability to quickly return to daily routines

Mercy’s robotic surgeons are in complete control of the surgery and the robot. Your doctor uses the robot to precisely and carefully remove damaged tissue. The surgical robot allows the surgeon many advantages in performing the surgery, including:

• Greater surgical precision
• Increased range of motion
• Improved dexterity
• Enhanced visualization of the area to be treated
• Improved access to remove the damaged tissue

Robotic surgery may be used to treat conditions including kidney cancer and prostate cancer. A nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy and prostatectomy are all types of surgical procedures that may utilize robotic surgery. Some patients may not be candidates for robotic surgery. The patient’s condition, extent of disease and overall health may impact whether or not robotic surgery is the best treatment option. Patients should consult with their physician to determine their best healthcare and surgical options.