Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Urological Surgery

An urologist can improve the overall experience and result of important surgical operations by using robotic urologic surgery, also known as robot-assisted urologic surgery.  It enables the operating surgeon to create a very tiny incision to access extremely remote and crucial areas. Moreover, precise movements and enhanced magnification are provided by the specialised technology.

What is Robot-Assisted Urological Surgery?

More control, flexibility, and accuracy may be achieved by doctors or surgeons performing a variety of complex operations with robotic-assisted urologic surgery than they could with traditional methods. Stated differently, robotic surgery is the only practical choice when more complex procedures requiring a higher level of accuracy are involved. Certain bodily sections, like the pelvic region, and diseases that affect those parts, such as prostate cancer, respond best to robotic surgery. Because robotic surgery is done laparoscopically, with tiny incisions made rather than larger skin incisions, it is a less invasive procedure. Doctors utilise surgical instruments and a camera for observation since it is a less invasive procedure that only requires minor skin incisions. Healing happens faster. Following surgery, patients can quickly resume their regular activities.

What Are the Different Types of Robot-Assisted Urological Surgery?

Among the typical urological surgical procedures that make use of robotic technology are:

• Prostatectomy

  Removing the entire prostate for men who have prostate cancer – results in improved recovery of erectile function and urine control after surgery.

• Cystectomy

  For both men and women with bladder cancer, removal of the whole bladder, prostate, and lymph nodes reduces blood loss, reduces the need for blood transfusions, and speeds up recovery.

• Partial Nephrectomy

  Removing just the cancer from the kidney and leaving the healthy kidney behind  – allows our surgeons to treat more complex cancers with this minimally invasive technique.

• Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

  For males with testicular cancer, eliminating the lymph nodes along the large blood veins in the belly lowers the likelihood that the disease may spread to this region.

• Sacrospinous Suspension

  For women who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse, which happens when any of the pelvic region’s organs—the bladder, uterus, vagina, or rectum—drop below their usual position, suturing the vagina’s end to the sacrum can assist support the vagina. 

• Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair

  Recurrent persistent urine leaks in women, which may occur from the formation of a passageway between the vagina and the urinary system.

• Pyeloplasty

  UPJ (ureteropelvic junction) obstruction repair refers to the treatment of an abnormal connection that results in a blockage of the kidney between the ureter and the kidney. It leads to fewer scars, less discomfort following surgery, and a shorter hospital stay. 

• Ureteral Reimplantation

  Repair of a ureteric injury or scar tissue, which is the tube that joins the kidney and bladder. The bladder and ureter are rejoined. enables the minimum invasive completion of complicated rebuilding.

You Can Also Read: Prostate Cancer: Complete guide on symptoms, causes and treatments

What Are the Advantages of Robot-Assisted Urological Surgery?

Compared to traditional urological surgery, robotic urological surgery allows surgeons to execute more accurate surgeries. It has many benefits over conventional open surgery, including:

• In many cases, better clinical outcomes
• After surgery, a quicker or shorter recovery period is necessary.
• With shorter hospital stays, patients can get discharged within a day after surgery
• Lesser scarring due to incisions, requiring only small cuts in the abdomen
• Less blood loss during the procedure
• In comparison to traditional open surgeries, the patient experiences significantly less pain as a result of the incision.

Because robotic technology is accurate and precise, surgeons prefer it over traditional techniques for delicate and complex urologic surgeries. They also favour robotic-assisted urological surgery because it is less invasive. With improved accuracy, dexterity, and control, it enables surgeons to perform even the most difficult treatments with ease. Patients and doctors are calling for robotic surgery at a much higher rate due to these advantages. Comparing robotic-assisted urological operations to open versions, favourable perioperative and postoperative results have been observed.

How Do We Prepare for a Robot-Assisted Urological Surgery?

Depending on why you need surgery, your doctor could undertake any of the following:

• Cystoscopy
• MRI scan
• CT scan
• Ultrasound
• Kidneys, ureter, bladder (KUB)
• Retrograde pyelogram
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)
• Blood tests and urine tests
• Physical exam

Leading up to the procedure:

• Discuss your prescription regimen with your doctor. Certain medications may need to be stopped up to one week before the surgery.
• If directed, take antibiotics and adhere to a particular diet.
• If directed, take a shower the night before and use antibacterial soap.
• Plan a ride home from the hospital with someone. 
• Discuss what you can and cannot eat or drink before surgery with your team.

What Are the Positive Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Urological Surgery?

Urologists have efficiently presented the usage and benefits of robot-assisted surgery in urological operations in recent times. Below are some procedures which explain this further:

• Robotic Prostatectomy

The most frequent robotic operation is robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, often known as robotic prostatectomy. This has been successful in maintaining erectile function, resulting in nerve springs, and achieving complete continence. Within a day of their procedure, patients can also go from the hospital. Consequently, robotic prostatectomies have taken the role of previously employed open or laparoscopic procedures.

• Robotic Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Diversions

The process of robotic cystectomy using intracorporeal diversions is multifaceted and extended. Neobladders and ileal conduits are two intracorporal diversions that are implanted robotically to maintain urinary continence after the urinary bladder is removed. Compared to open surgery, this treatment results in less blood loss, a lower transfusion rate, a shorter hospital stay, and less pain for the patients.

• Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Compared with open surgery, robotic partial or whole nephrectomy surgery involves a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, and much less operating time. Since the kidneys are situated in the retroperitoneal area behind the abdominal cavity, highly qualified and specialised roboticists can also provide retroperitoneal robotic access. So, this method provides a more direct and safe path.

Conclusion

With its accuracy, less blood loss, decreased discomfort, and lower infection rates, urologic robotic surgery outperforms conventional surgery. It’s an appealing option because of the indisputable benefits in surgical results and patient recovery, even with possible greater expenses. In the end, medical practitioners assess the patient’s state, the state of technology at their disposal, and surgical proficiency to ascertain the best course of action. Promising better results and a more streamlined surgical experience, robotic-assisted surgery represents a breakthrough.

At the CK Birla Hospital, we guarantee that patients receive complete medical treatment, including compassionate care. In addition to encouraging quicker recovery, this patient-centred approach ensures that patients are aware of the necessary precautions. Our staff of highly skilled surgeons has completed over 6,000 procedures, and they are skilled in carrying out life-saving procedures.

FAQs

What is the Most Common Robotic Urologic Procedure? 

Robot-assisted surgery is utilised in urology to treat a range of ailments, including non-cancerous disorders of the bladder, kidney, and prostate, as well as malignancies. Prostatectomies, or the removal of the prostate, are among the most common robotic urological treatments.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Prostate Robotic Surgery Fully?

The recuperation period following robotically assisted prostate surgery is as short as two to three weeks. With or without the use of oral drugs, most patients may also anticipate a recovery of their potency, depending on their age and health.