How can robotic surgery treat urological conditions?

How can robotic surgery treat urological conditions?

Robotic surgery is a surgical method performed by using small tools that are attached to a robotic system. Rather than the surgeon performing the procedure with their own hands, they control robotic arms with a computer. 

Robotic surgery is commonly referred to as a minimally invasive surgery which can assist in treating a diverse number of conditions, with many of them being urological. Let’s take a closer look at how robotic surgery can be used to treat urological conditions.

How does it work?

Robotic surgery is performed by a surgeon who uses a computer system to direct the movements of robotic arms to perform a medical procedure. The robotic system includes a camera arm which incorporates a small endoscope that allows the surgeon to view magnified three dimensional HD images of the patient’s body while the surgery is being performed. The remaining arms have very small surgical instruments attached to them. These are controlled by the surgeon’s own hands which are mimicked by the mechanical arms.

What can it treat?

Dr Mohan Arianayagam specialises in using robotics to perform a number of surgeries. The wide variety of procedures robotic surgery can be used for include:• Robotic radical prostatectomy (removal of the cancerous prostate)
• Robotic nephrectomy (removal of entire kidney)
• Robotic partial and radical nephrectomy (removal of part or all of the kidney)
• Robotic cystectomy (removal of the bladder)
Other procedures include:
• Coronary artery bypass
• Gallbladder removal
• Hip replacement
• Hysterectomy
• Pyroplasty

Benefits or robotic surgery

Robotic surgery has become a preferred method by a huge number of doctors. This is because it is minimally invasive and carries many advantages over traditional surgical techniques. These benefits include:
• Enhanced precision
• The ability to perform delicate and complex procedures with ease
• Advanced camera technology
• Lower risk of infection
• Less pain and blood loss
• Lower risk of complication
• Quicker recovery
• Smaller scars
• Lower risk of side effects, such as erectile dysfunction after a cystectomy

Risks of robotic surgery

As with any form of surgery or medical treatment, there are risks associated with robotic surgery. However, the technique has proved to drastically decrease the risks and side effects related to the more traditional versions of many surgical procedures. Some risks can include blood loss, infection or blood clots. However, these risks are far less than those of most alternative methods.

Robotic surgery by Dr Arianayagam

During his two year fellowship, Dr Arianayagam spent a significant amount of time under the tutelage of Dr Murugesan Manoharan, Professor of Urology and Program Director at the Department of Urology of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. With Dr Manoharan as a mentor and teacher, Dr Arianayagam gained a wealth of experience in robotic surgery. Robotic radical prostatectomy soon became his preferred surgical method of treatment for prostate cancer. Dr Arianayagam performs robotic radical prostatectomy at both Macquarie University Hospital and Nepean Public Hospital. Since his return to Australia, Dr Arianayagam has performed over 250 cases of robotic surgery. Furthermore, Dr Arianayagam is qualified to teach other surgeons how to use this technique.

Nepean Hospital runs the only public robotic programme in New South Wales, and this technology is available to any public patient, irrespective of where they live. If you wish to have a robotic prostatectomy as a public patient please make an appointment to be seen at any of Dr Arianayagam’s consulting locations.

Dr Arianayagam has also trained in robotic surgery for removal of the bladder due to cancer (radical cystectomy). In selected patients, this may also hasten recovery after surgery and may aid in the preservation of erectile function. Dr Arianayagam also performs robotic surgery of the kidney where part of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) or all of the kidney is removed (radical nephrectomy).

It is important to talk to a trusted professional when it comes to your health. If you have any questions about robotic surgery, or would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact or call Dr Arianayagam’s office on 1300 307 990 and his staff will be able to assist.

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