Robotic Surgery Effective in Partial Nephrectomy


Robotic partial nephrectomy involves using an advanced surgical robot to remove part of the kidney, usually the portion with a tumor. Initially, robotic surgery enjoyed tremendous success with surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy), but in recent years its usage in kidney operations also has yielded remarkable results. In fact, robotic partial nephrectomy has become the preferred treatment option for most patients with benign kidney tumors, small renal masses and early-stage cancer. During the procedure, tumors are removed with the least possible disruption of the rest of the kidney — a nephron-sparing approach that maximizes post-operative kidney function.

Why is the da Vinci surgical system suited for partial nephrectomy?

The da Vinci surgical robot provides superior maneuverability that is suited for the delicate slicing, cutting and stitching involved in the removal of a portion of the kidney. The surgical robot offers a three-dimensional view of the targeted area, allowing for a broader range of motion of the surgical devices. Urologists using the robot find it much easier to make the complex maneuvers required during the procedure.

Since it uses smaller incisions and doesn’t involve making cuts through bone or muscle, the da Vinci partial nephrectomy causes less scarring and minimal trauma to patients. The recovery time is typically only 2 weeks compared to the 6-8 weeks recovery time after open kidney surgery. Likewise, blood supply to the kidney is blocked for a shorter duration, leading to less overall blood loss and quicker recovery compared to laparoscopy.

How is the robotic partial nephrectomy performed?

During robotic partial nephrectomy, the surgeon makes a series of tiny incisions in your abdomen. The camera and robotic surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. To create enough room for manipulation of the surgical instruments and enable easy access to the cancerous tissue, the abdomen is inflated with gas (carbon dioxide gas). The doctor then moves the colon away from the kidney and trims off the fat covering the kidney to expose the kidney surface.

With the kidney exposed, the surgeon halts the blood flow to the kidney temporarily to prevent potential bleeding as the tumor is cut and the remaining portion of the kidney sutured together. At the end of the procedure, the urologist reconstructs the kidney, restores blood flow and then inspects the kidney carefully to make sure there is no bleeding.

Who should undergo robotic partial nephrectomy?

The da Vinci partial nephrectomy is the surgical treatment of choice for patients with smaller kidney tumors, usually not bigger than 4 cm in size. However, even patients with tumors ranging from 4 cm-7 cm also may undergo the procedure if they are to be treated in certain areas. Similarly, robotic partial nephrectomy is appropriate in cases where removing the whole kidney could trigger kidney failure or the need for dialysis.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we perform hundreds of robotic partial nephrectomy every year with amazing results for our patients. The procedure takes a short time, reduces the problems caused by benign or small kidney tumors and is effective in helping patients recover from kidney cancer. The minimally-invasive nature of the procedure guarantees less scarring, minimal trauma and quicker recovery for our patients. But we always ensure that patients are closely monitored for post-operative pain and complications, accomplishing cancer-free and happier lives for our patients. For more information on treatment of kidney cancer and other urological problems, visit our “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Robotic Technology in Urology

Robot-assisted (robotic) surgery uses small instruments attached to a robot’s arm to conduct surgical procedures. A qualified, highly-skilled surgeon controls the robotic arm, using it to enhance surgical precision. In fact, contrary to popular beliefs, it’s the surgeon behind the robot and not the robot itself that performs the procedure. The robot improves surgical outcomes and boosts patient safety by enabling the surgeon to use very tiny incisions and to achieve unmatched precision.

Robotic surgery in urology

Robot-assisted surgery has become very popular in urology, particularly in the United States. In urology centers where it is used, it’s extensively applied in surgery to excise prostate cancer as it enables access to anatomical areas that are difficult to reach. Other urologists use it for kidney cancer surgeries and to some extent in bladder surgeries. Through robot-assisted procedures, urologists are able to use the surgical assistance, enhanced precision, systems networking, dexterity and image-guidance made possible with robots. Urologists are able to easily perform complex procedures that are often difficult to do using conventional laparoscopy.

Pre-operation discussion

While robotics are excellent tools that improve the outcome of surgical procedures, they are not ideal for every situation. The need and value of robot-assisted surgery varies from case to case and it’s important to discuss this with your urologist before undergoing surgery. Being clearly informed of the benefits and risks associated with robotic surgery ensures that you can make an informed decision before the procedure.

Advantages of robot-assisted surgery

Robotic surgery is typically minimally invasive. So the patient suffers less pain, slight blood loss and minimal scarring, and requires only a short recovery time. With the robotic arm eliminating the natural limits of human wrists, surgery can be performed with more delicate, precise and efficient movements. The 3D imaging and endowrist technology of robots ensure surgery is more accurate, nerve bundles are dissected more precisely, erectile function is preserved, and there is a better chance of cure than with non-robotic surgery. The surgeon also enjoys more strength, dexterity, flexibility, control and a better view of the operated area. Robotic surgery allows the surgeon to get more comfortable, perform the procedure with increased concentration and focus, and can undertake complex procedures that are tougher or impossible with other techniques.

Disadvantages of robot-assisted surgery

With robot-assisted surgery, there is not only the risk of human error when operating the robotic system, but also the potential for mechanical failure. For instance, system components such as robotic arms, camera, robotic tower, binocular lenses and instruments can fail. In other cases, the electrical current in the robotic instrument can leave the robotic arm and be misapplied to surrounding tissues, resulting in accidental burn injuries. Likewise, robot-assisted surgery can cause nerve palsies due to extreme body positioning or direct nerve compression that may occur when using robots. It also takes longer to perform robotic surgery than non-robotic surgery in surgical centers with lower robotic volume or by less experienced surgeons.

Ways of improving robot-assisted surgery

It’s important that centers applying robotics follow standardized training, improved reporting and enhanced patient education to reduce errors related to robotic surgery. Robotic surgery should be conducted by urologic surgeons trained in robotics and have extensive robotic and laparoscopic surgical experience. It also must be remembered that adding robots to the surgical equation may create room for error in an already risk-fraught and complex arena. So proper steps must be taken to guarantee safe and effective robot-assisted procedures. Robotic surgery is getting better and better as more advanced robots are developed to overcome existing shortcomings. So patients should expect better outcomes with robot-assisted surgery as advanced machines are applied.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we believe that surgical outcomes are a direct manifestation of the experience and skill of the surgeon, and less about the approach or technology used. That’s why we have assembled a team of qualified, skilled and experienced urologists to offer surgical procedures for different urological disorders. Our urologists perform hundreds of laparoscopic and robotic surgeries every year and have achieved great success rates in terms of efficacy, cure and improved quality of life. Our approach to robotic surgery guarantees that you will get the best possible surgery with remarkable outcomes. For more information, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

Robotic Technology in Urology: Da Vinci Robotic Prostatectomy

Urology has always been one of the leading medical specialties in the adoption and application of the latest cutting-edge technologies. For many decades urology has been one of the areas of medicine that has often readily embraced new technologies and incorporated them into everyday practice for the benefit of patients. Urology was the first medical field to espouse and use scopes for various procedures. And then with the invention of robotic systems, urologists quickly adopted and integrated the da Vinci system in their practices, using it for prostate surgery and making the da Vinci prostatectomy one of the first mainstream
surgical procedures to be performed using robotic technology.

Influence of robotic surgical systems

The introduction of robotic systems in urology has quickly enabled urologists to overcome the limitations of open prostatectomy (traditional laparoscopy) such as limited instrument movement, difficult suturing, complex reconstruction and two-dimensional vision. Likewise, the introduction and quick assimilation of robotic technology has helped to solve the problem of surgeon fatigue in laparoscopic urology. Robotic systems have enabled urologists to perform complex reconstruction and dissection in less than 2 hours delivering excellent outcomes.

Overcoming limitations of open prostatectomy

Before the emergence of robotic surgical systems, men suffering from prostate cancer had very few treatment options. The principal surgical option available was open radical prostatectomy, a procedure that involved large incisions and serious post-operative side effects. For example, when using open prostatectomy, the removal of the entire cancerous prostate resulted in increased risk of post-operative infections, excessive blood loss, considerable pain and longer hospital stays. Open prostatectomy also may lead to loss of sexual function and bladder control due to cutting of the delicate nerve plexus around the prostate. The da Vinci robotic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses smaller incisions, reduces blood loss and ensures a shorter hospital stay, making things better for the patient.

Utmost precision, great outcomes

The intuitive nature of the movement of robotic instruments results in highly precise, accurate, effective and safe prostatectomy. While laparoscopic surgery’s precision is reduced by the fulcrum effect (movement of the instrument tip in the direction opposite to the surgeon’s hands), the da Vinci robotic system has no fulcrum effect, offers three-dimensional visualization, boosts degrees of freedom, eliminates tremor, reduces fatigue and provides motion scaling and ergonomic positioning. Robotic surgery is a remote controlled process in which the surgeon’s movements are precisely translated through sensitive fibers to the instrument’s tip. When applied in prostatectomy, robotic systems have been found to offer several advantages over traditional laparoscopic surgery, including minimal scarring, diminished risk of complications, clinically superior results and quicker recovery.

State-of-the-art prostatectomy at Advanced Urology Institute

Want to be treated by a highly trained and experienced team of surgeons, technicians and nurses? At Advanced Urology Institute, we have urologists who are specialists in robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer and other urological conditions. We perform dozens of surgical procedures every month using the da Vinci robotic system. This minimally invasive, high-precision robotic technology delivers great results with complex and delicate surgeries such as prostatectomies, where the target site is surrounded and confined by the nerves regulating erectile function and urinary flow. At AUI, we use the robotic system as an exacting tool to avoid damaging these nerves, shorten recovery time and ensure quick return to normal activities.

For more information on exceptional, world-class treatment using robotic technology, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

What is Da Vinci Robotic Prostatectomy?

The da Vinci system is a revolutionary, minimally-invasive surgical robot for treating prostate cancer. Designed by Intuitive Surgical to help overcome the shortcomings of both the traditional laparoscopic prostatectomy and open prostatectomy, the da Vinci system enables a surgeon to conduct highly precise, nerve-sparing surgery using several dime-shaped incisions. With the da Vinci surgical procedure, entire cancerous tissue or prostate can be removed, cancer completely eradicated and internal repair achieved without interference with sexual function, potency and bladder control.

Also called robotic prostatectomy, the da Vinci uses a finely-controlled robotic apparatus, including micro-surgical instruments and high-resolution cameras, to perform prostate surgery safely, achieving faster patient recovery and better treatment outcomes.

High-Precision Prostatectomy

During da Vinci robotic surgery, urologists use the “motion scaling” feature on the system to convert subtle hand movements made outside the body into extremely precise and accurate movements inside the body. The urologist controls the robotic arms of the da Vinci console by applying natural wrist and hand movements. Through motion scaling, filtration and seamless translation of hand-and-wrist movements, the urologist can achieve greater precision that is normally not achievable during traditional laparoscopic and open surgery procedures. The da Vinci system not only provides urologists with enhanced dexterity, range of motion and flexibility, but also enables surgeons to safely access difficult-to-operate areas of the pelvis, abdomen and closed chest. The robot also filters and eliminates unpredictable hand movements and hand tremors that may occur during the operation.

Computerized 3-D Visualization

The da Vinci system dramatically improves visualization by providing a sharper and brighter view than can be seen during traditional laparoscopic endoscopes and by the eye during open surgery. The robotic system comes with a proprietary camera, enabling the surgeon to zoom in, rotate and even change image visualization. As a result, the 3-D image produced is clearer and brighter, and with no flickers as seen in traditional laparoscopic systems.

Even though the da Vinci robotic prostatectomy is a remote procedure, urologists have the feeling that their hands are fully immersed in the body and are able to complete all the necessary procedures efficiently. With the 3-D visualization and robotic hand simulation, the da Vinci system enables urologists to perform highly complex procedures more effectively than traditional laparoscopic surgery or open surgery.

Getting da Vinci Prostatectomy at Advanced Urology Institute

At Advanced Urology Institute, the da Vinci prostatectomy patients are usually discharged 24 hours after their operation. The system is used at AUI because it has superior benefits to traditional laparoscopic prostatectomy or open prostate surgery. The benefits of the da Vinci prostate surgery include:

  1. Reduced pain and higher nerve-sparing rate.
  2. Shorter hospitalization, with most patients going home the next day.
  3. Minimal blood loss, fewer transfusions and reduced risk of complications (such as impotence and incontinence).
  4. Quicker return to pre-surgery erectile function and urinary continence.
  5. Faster return to routine activities.

Are you looking for a da Vinci urologist near you? You can check out this life-changing technology at Advanced Urology Institute. For more information, visit the “’Advanced Urology Institute” site.

What is Cancer of the Prostate? with Dr Denis Healey

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The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system that secretes seminal fluid, a milky substance that combines with sperm produced in the testicles to form semen. Contact a urologist now to get treatment as soon as possible. [Read Full Article…]

What are the advantages of the Davinci Robotic System according to Dr Evan Fynes?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The DaVinci Robotic System offers a minimally invasive approach, resulting in less blood loss, less pain, and faster recovery times.
  • Patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery typically have a shorter hospital stay compared to those undergoing open procedures.
  • The advanced visualization capabilities of the DaVinci Robotic System allow for more precise dissections and better surgical outcomes.

Dr. Evan Fynes is a urologist in Port Orange, FL, specializing in the use of the DaVinci Robotic System for urological surgeries. This advanced technology offers a range of benefits over traditional open surgeries, including smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and better visualization of the surgical field. In this article, we will explore the advantages of the DaVinci Robotic System as described by Dr. Fynes, and how it has revolutionized urological surgery.

Minimally Invasive Approach

One of the primary benefits of the DaVinci Robotic System is its minimally invasive approach. With this system, Dr. Fynes can remove the prostate gland using very small incisions. This results in less blood loss and pain for patients compared to traditional open surgeries. Furthermore, it allows surgeons to preserve the nerves responsible for erectile function, providing a better overall outcome for men undergoing prostatectomies.

Shorter Hospital Stay

Dr. Fynes emphasizes that the use of the DaVinci Robotic System can significantly reduce the length of a patient’s hospital stay. Typically, patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery are only in the hospital for about a day, compared to a longer stay required for open procedures. This shortened hospitalization not only reduces the risk of complications but also allows patients to return to their normal activities more quickly.

Enhanced Visualization

The DaVinci Robotic System offers superior visualization capabilities, allowing surgeons like Dr. Fynes to see structures in the pelvis with exceptional detail. This magnified view makes it easier to perform precise dissections and ensures a more accurate removal of the prostate gland. The improved visualization contributes to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery times for patients.

Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Evan Fynes is a part of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida. This institute is committed to providing the highest quality of care for their patients through the use of cutting-edge technology, such as the DaVinci Robotic System. By choosing the Advanced Urology Institute for your urological needs, you can trust that you are receiving the best possible care from highly skilled and experienced professionals.

TRANSCRIPTION:

Using the robotic system, we’re able to use very small incisions to take the prostate gland out.
A lot of times, we leave the nerves behind to help with, to preserve erectile function for men.
Hello, Dr. Evan Fynnes. I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute.
Surgery itself takes a couple hours to do, depending on surgeon experience.
Usually, they’re only in the hospital for about a day or so.
The advantage of the robot is usually there’s less blood loss, a lot less pain.
And a big thing for the robot is it magnifies everything in the pelvis.
So it’s able to, things that sometimes you’d struggle seeing in an open procedure,
it’s there on this big screen that you’re able to see in fine detail the structures that are in the pelvis, and able to carefully dissect off the prostate and things like that.

REFERENCES:

Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy, Surgical Advancement in Urology – Dr Matthew Merrell

Video: Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy, Surgical Advancement in Urology – Dr Matthew Merrell


Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy allows the surgeon greater visualization, enhanced dexterity, precision, control and superior ergonomics.[Read Full Article…]

Who uses the Davinci Robotic System for kidney cancer treatment? – Dr. Evan Fynes

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, uses the DaVinci Robotic System for kidney cancer treatment, performing both total and partial nephrectomies.
  • The DaVinci Robotic System provides enhanced visualization and precision during surgery, allowing for more accurate tumor removal and preservation of healthy kidney tissue.
  • Robotic-assisted kidney cancer surgery results in reduced pain and faster recovery times for patients compared to traditional open procedures.

The DaVinci Robotic System has revolutionized various fields of surgery, including urology. Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, specializes in using this advanced technology for kidney cancer treatment. In this article, we will discuss how Dr. Fynes employs the DaVinci Robotic System for kidney cancer procedures, such as nephrectomies, and the benefits it offers patients.

Robotic Surgery for Kidney Cancer

In the past, kidney cancer surgeries required large incisions and lengthy hospital stays. However, with the introduction of the DaVinci Robotic System, patients can now experience quicker recovery times and reduced pain. Dr. Fynes uses the robotic system to perform both total and partial nephrectomies. Total nephrectomies involve the removal of the entire kidney, while partial nephrectomies allow for the removal of only the tumor, preserving the healthy kidney tissue.

Enhanced Visualization and Precision

One of the key benefits of the DaVinci Robotic System is the improved visualization it provides during surgery. The system magnifies the surgical field, allowing Dr. Fynes to perform precise dissections and remove tumors with greater accuracy. This enhanced visualization is particularly beneficial for partial nephrectomies, where it is crucial to separate the tumor from the healthy kidney tissue without causing damage.

Reduced Pain and Faster Recovery

Robotic-assisted surgery with the DaVinci Robotic System is significantly less painful for patients compared to traditional open procedures. The smaller incisions used in robotic surgery result in less blood loss, reduced pain, and faster healing. As a result, patients can return home and resume their normal activities much sooner. According to Dr. Fynes, patients who undergo robotic-assisted kidney cancer surgery are typically discharged from the hospital in just two or three days, compared to five to seven days for traditional open procedures.

Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Evan Fynes is a part of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida. This institute is committed to providing the highest quality of care for their patients through the use of cutting-edge technology, such as the DaVinci Robotic System. By choosing the Advanced Urology Institute for your kidney cancer treatment, you can trust that you are receiving the best possible care from highly skilled and experienced professionals.

TRANSCRIPTION:

Back in olden days, so to speak, we used to make a bigger incision, and the patient would
be in the hospital five to seven days, and now with the robot, a lot of people are home
in two or three days after removing a kidney.
Hello, Dr. Evan Fynes, I’m a urologist with Advanced UrologyInstitute.
So the robot is also being used extensively for kidney type, kidney surgery, whether it’s
removing the whole kidney for somebody with a presumed kidney cancer, or a lot of times
these days we’re doing something called partial nephrectomies with the robot, where you’re
able just to remove the tumor and leave the kidney behind.
In regards to robotic surgery with the kidney, it just magnifies everything.
You’re able to get fine movements to dissect the tumor off, remove the tumor, and close
the kidney back up.
It’s also a lot less painful for patients.

REFERENCES:

Becoming a Physician Assistant, Why did You Choose Urology – Jeanette Lain, PA C

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Ms. Jeanette Lain has extensive urology experience, previously serving as a Physician Assistant for Urology Centers of Oklahoma with the Women’s Bladder Clinic, Unitus Clinic for Sexual Health and general urology care. [Read Full Article…]

Why did Dr. Evan Fynes choose urology?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, chose urology as his specialty due to the diversity of cases and the daily challenges it offers.
  • Patient interaction is one of Dr. Fynes’ favorite aspects of his work, as it allows him to build relationships and better understand his patients’ needs.
  • Dr. Fynes finds great fulfillment and reward in helping patients overcome their urological problems and improve their quality of life.

Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, has a passion for his work and a deep appreciation for the variety and patient interaction that comes with practicing urology. In this article, we will explore the factors that led Dr. Fynes to choose urology as his specialty and how his work positively impacts patients’ lives.

The Path to Urology

Dr. Fynes grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and completed his undergraduate and medical education, as well as his six-year urologic residency, at the University of Toledo. Early on in his training, Dr. Fynes was encouraged by a friend who was a urology resident to explore the field of urology. He quickly found that he enjoyed the diversity of cases and the daily challenges that came with the specialty. From kidney stones and enlarged prostates to kidney cancer, every day brought something different to his work.

Patient Interaction

One of the aspects of urology that Dr. Fynes particularly enjoys is the patient interaction. He values the opportunity to develop relationships with his patients, often bonding over shared interests, such as football. This rapport allows him to better understand his patients’ concerns and provide tailored treatment plans to address their specific needs.

Making a Difference in Patients’ Lives

Dr. Fynes finds great fulfillment and reward in helping patients overcome their urological problems. Whether it’s removing a kidney stone or vaporizing prostate tissue to enable a patient to urinate without a catheter, he takes pride in the positive impact his work has on patients’ lives. Their gratitude and satisfaction make his efforts worthwhile and further solidify his passion for the field of urology.

Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Evan Fynes is a part of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida. The institute is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for their patients through the use of state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based treatment approaches. By choosing the Advanced Urology Institute for your urological needs, you can trust that you are receiving the best possible care from highly skilled and experienced professionals.

TRANSCRIPTION:

I never met an unhappy urologist. They all seemed to really like what they did for a
living and were really enthusiastic about their job.
Hello, Dr. Evan Fynes. I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute. I’ve been down
here in Florida about 15 months now. I came down from the great state of Ohio. I grew
up in northwest Ohio, Toledo, Ohio. I went to school at the, basically did all my training
in Toledo. Went to undergrad, med school, and then did a six-year urologic residency
at the University of Toledo. Urology really caught my interest early on in my training.
I had actually a good friend that was a urology resident, and he told me to kind of check
out urology. And so when I really looked into it, I mean, I really liked the diversity of
the cases. Every day you’re doing something different, whether it’s kidney stones, somebody
with a large prostate, to taking out or removing kidneys because of kidney cancer. You never
knew what you were going to do that day. It was a wide variety.
One of the favorite things I like about my work is just patient interaction. A lot of
times when I initially talk about a patient, they’ll walk in with a Pittsburgh Steelers
hat on, and the first 10 minutes of my conversation is talking about football. And so I really
enjoyed the patient interaction of getting to know somebody, developing that relationship
with somebody, and then trying to help them with their problem. From that, when you get
to help them with their problem and basically correct their situation, whether it’s removing
a kidney stone or they have a catheter in and you take away their, you know, vaporize
their prostate tissue and they’re able to pee on their own, they’re very satisfied with
having that catheter out. It does give you a sense of fulfillment and reward that
you’ve helped somebody, and they’re usually very grateful.

REFERENCES:

Being a Urologist, A Very Gratifying Medical Career – Dr Matthew Merrell

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Dr. Merrell is certified by the American Board of Urology and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Urological Association, the Florida Urologic Association and the Volusia County Medical Society. [Read Full Article…]

Advanced Urology Institute – Urologists Working Together for You

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We believe that medical care is best delivered between an independent physician and a willing patient. When the physician is not in control, bad medicine (profit driven) results. [Read Full Article…]