Robotic Surgery

What is robotic surgery?

During robotic surgery, the surgeon uses the assistance of a robot to operate on the patient through tiny holes in the abdomen instead of a large open incision. The robotic technology, cited as #1 in Forbes magazine's Five Robots That Will Change Your Life, consists of a surgeon's console that controls a tower with four working arms. One arm controls the three-dimensional camera's movement inside the body, while the remaining three arms hold specialized laparoscopic instruments. The robotic arms precisely replicate the surgeon's exact hand and finger movements from the console.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is one of a few select centers in the country and the first in New York City — to use the state-of-the-art High Definition daVinci-S Surgical System to perform robotic urologic surgery. We work very closely with the manufacturer of this system (Intuitive Surgical Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) to stay on the cutting edge of this technology.

What is robotic prostatectomy?

Robotic prostatectomy, also know as robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, is the most advanced prostate cancer treatment option for men who are candidates for surgery. The procedure is performed through five tiny holes in the abdomen to remove cancerous tissue while preserving vital nerves and arteries that control bladder and sexual function.

What are the benefits of robotic prostatectomy?

In the hands of experienced robotic surgeons, robotic prostatectomy offers:

• Shorter hospital stay
• Less blood loss
• Significantly less pain
• Faster recovery
• Improved urinary continence and sexual function
• Less scarring
• Better clinical outcomes

What about cancer control after robotic prostatectomy?

The precise dissection around the prostate using robot-assisted surgery allows for the safe removal of diseased tissue and preservation of healthy nerves and arteries that control normal bladder and sexual function. Studies demonstrate that the cancer control is excellent and comparable to data from traditional open surgery. These results, coupled with improved sexual function after surgery, demonstrate the advantages of robotic prostatectomy.

What is the daVinci Surgical System?

The daVinci Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical, Inc. enhances surgical capabilities, providing superior visualization, enhanced dexterity, greater precision and ergonomic comfort. As a result of these capabilities, surgeons can now perform even complex surgery using 1-2 cm incisions.

What about sexual function after robotic prostatectomy?

Recovery of sexual function after prostate surgery can be variable. Data shows that return of sexual function is improved after robotic prostatectomy compared to open surgery. Our researchers found that men with normal erection function prior to surgery, were having sexual intercourse by one year postoperatively. With enhanced nerve-sparing techniques available at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, this recovery of sexual function can happen as soon as 3 to 6 months after the operation.

What is robotic nephrectomy/partial nephrectomy?

Kidney surgery is traditionally performed using an open approach that requires a large painful incision. Another approach is conventional laparoscopy, which is less invasive than open surgery, but limits the doctor's dexterity, visualization and fine hand control compared to open surgery. Robotic kidney surgery incorporates the advantages of both open surgery and traditional laparoscopy and applies them to a robot-assisted minimally invasive approach.

Importantly, in many instances, preservation of normal tissue while removing only the diseased portion of the kidney — known as partial nephrectomy — is important. The precision and dexterity afforded by the daVinci Surgical System allows maximal preservation of normal kidney tissue while eliminating cancerous or diseased tissue.