Urologic Robotic Surgery

Urologists 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.

The diseases affecting the pelvic region such as prostate cancer, respond best to robotic surgery. Because robotic surgery is done with tiny incisions made rather than larger skin incisions, it is a less invasive procedure. This ensures that healing happens faster and patients can quickly resume their regular activities post surgery.

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

• Robotic Prostatectomy: A surgical treatment to help remove the prostate gland.
• Robotic Cystectomy: Surgical treatment for removal of the urinary bladder.
• Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Surgery for removal of tumour-bearing portion of the kidney. 
• Robotic Pyeloplasty: Surgery to rectify ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) blockage. 
• Conditions under Paediatric Urology which needs a delicate approach. 
• Surgery for clogged upper pole moiety in a duplex kidney
• Ureterotomy 
• Nephroureterectomy
• Adrenalectomy 

We have a fully active robotic technology that has pioneered fine precision robotic surgery with a first-of-its-kind robot. The robotic system:

• Conducts the procedure under the supervision of an experienced surgeon.
• Offers precision and dexterity in cutting and milling.
• Enhances the procedure by ensuring maximum accuracy.
• Prevents causes and incidence of repeat surgery.

• A camera arm and four mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them. 
• A surgical console from where the surgeon controls the arms while seated near the operating table. 
• A camera view which gives the surgeon a high-definition, magnified, 3D view of the surgical site. 
• The surgeon leads other team members who assist during the operation.
• Robotic arms provide a fully wristed articulation for complete surgeon control from the console. 
• It provides intelligent feedback to help doctors manoeuvre the surgery to better outcomes.
• The fourth-generation robotic instrument arms allow ports to be placed in a straight line to seamlessly perform multi-port procedures.
• A universal arm design allows the surgeon to insert the endoscope on any arm at any time during the procedure.
• The robot comes with longer instruments and thinner arms for improved range of motion and enhanced precision by eliminating the potential for collision while working in narrow and delicate areas.

The Procedure:

Prostatectomy is a delicate surgery as it involves nerves that impact erectile function and urine control and are closely circumscribed. Using a robotic system gives surgeons a precise instrument that can assist in speeding up healing and the return to regular activities while protecting nearby nerves.

The Planning:

• First, the patients must make an informed decision with proper counselling with the surgeon about the procedure.
• Then the patient proceeds to get high-end CT scans performed of the localised area for the surgery.
• These CT scans are used to build a comprehensive surgery plan. 

The Execution:

• The patient is connected to the robot and stabilised for surgery.
• The patient terminal is then inserted with the surgical ports and aligned to give a 3D view to the surgeon’s camera console. 
• Then the surgeon performs the surgery using the robotic arms at his end which is replicated by the AI on the patient end.
• The robot reviews the procedure and assists the surgeon to make accurate cuts with the robotic arm.

Comparing robotic urologic surgery to traditional urologic surgical methods reveals several benefits. It benefits both the patient and the surgeon doing the surgery. 

• Overall better clinical outcomes 
• Quicker recovery time 
• Smaller scars.
• Shorter hospital stays.
• Reduced blood loss.
• Lower risk of infection.
• Reduced pain during recovery.

A Robotic System is a fully automated, active technology. It offers multiple benefits to both the surgeon and the patient. It is the most advanced surgical equipment and the benefits of this robotic system can be summarised as:

• Possibility of doing surgery in constrained bodily areas
• Better visualisation with HD magnified 3D imaging superior to the naked eye.
• Greater precision with minimised human errors using robotic arms.

The CK Birla Hospital uses cutting-edge surgical techniques to enhance your quality of life. Surgeons may now perform crucial procedures with ease, flexibility, accuracy, and precision thanks to the newest breakthroughs in technology, which also provide the greatest clinical outcomes.

Highlights of Robotic Surgery

• Multidisciplinary team approach.
• Innovation-driven healthcare solutions.
• Fast and comprehensive recovery.
• World-class physiotherapy support.
• End-to-end rehabilitation support post-surgery as applicable.

1. Are robot-assisted surgery and laparoscopy the same?

No. Although both are minimally invasive procedures, laparoscopic procedures involve the surgeon working with tools and instruments in hand. 

Whereas, in robot assisted surgery the surgeon gets to use a console and 3D monitor to control the robotic arms that perform the surgery, which offers greater flexibility and range of motion.

2. Robotic surgery is performed by a robot or surgeon? 

The entire procedure is performed by a human using a robotic arm. This means the entire surgery is within the surgeon’s control. Sitting at a console in the operation theatre, the surgeon directs the robotic arms to carry out the procedure. A video camera records the surgery in real-time, providing the surgeon with an enhanced view of the operating area.

3. Should robot-assisted surgery be avoided in case of complications?

No. While each case will depend on the patient’s condition and the body’s capacity to sustain a surgery, in complex, hard to reach, and delicate cases with greater complications surgeons prefer robotic-assisted surgery. 

Compared to a human arm, robotic arms have a greater range of motion and flexibility, which guarantees excellent precision and reduces the possibility of mistakes.

4. Why are more surgeons opting for robotic urology surgery?

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. 

5. What is the average recovery time for Robotic Prostate Surgery?

The healing process from the incisions takes around three to four weeks; nevertheless, most men may resume their jobs two to three weeks following the procedure.

6. Robotic Prostatectomy Surgery requires general anaesthesia?

This does call for general anaesthesia. Though it is a big procedure, robotic prostatectomy has numerous advantages over traditional surgery.

7. Can any surgeon perform a robot-assisted surgery? 

Robotic-assisted surgeries have a different set of tools and controls compared to other minimally invasive surgeries. They require specialised equipment and trained medical professionals. At the CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, we have a team of experienced and qualified robotic surgeons who do this with exceptionally good surgical outcomes.

8. What is the Difference between Robotic and Traditional Urologic Surgery?

• Open surgical outcomes can be improved with shorter surgery time under skilled hands.
• Open surgery fails to provide an enhanced view of the surgical site which is possible in robotic surgery.
• The robot can move its arms farther than its body and give the surgeon access to locations that would be difficult to reach otherwise. 
• Open surgery involves larger incisions which take a long time to heal. Robotic surgeries are sutureless and scar less due to smaller incisions.