Robotic surgery and how it works

Robotic surgery is a surgical method performed by using small tools that are attached to a robotic system. It’s minimally invasive and highly practical.

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. It is commonly referred to as a kind of minimally invasive surgery.

How Does It Work?

Robotic surgery is performed by a surgeon sitting at a computer station who directs the movements of the robotic arms via a computer interface.

The robotic system includes a camera arm that incorporates a small endoscope, allowing 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.

Advantages

Similar to laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery is minimally invasive and had quite a few advantages over traditional surgical techniques. The dexterity of the robotic system enhances precision, control, and flexibility of the surgeon’s movements. This allows surgeons to perform delicate and complex procedures that would be difficult or otherwise impossible using other methods. The camera technology used in robotic surgery also allows the surgeon to see the area much clearer too.

The health benefits of robotic surgery include:

• 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

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with robotic surgery. However, the technique has been proven to drastically decrease risks and side effects associated with several surgical procedures.

Common procedures performed:

We are experts in multiple kinds of robotic surgery, including:

• 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

Robotic Surgery with Urology Specialist

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 and counting. He is a proctor for Device Technologies, who supply the Da Vinci Robotic System in Australia. This means Dr. Arianayagam is not only highly qualified to help patients. He can also teach other surgeons how to use this technique.

Nepean Hospital runs the only public robotic program 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, you can contact Urology Specialist here.

Aside from robotic prostatectomy, 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).

Get in touch

If you have any more questions regarding robotic or would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact Urology Specialist here. Dr. Arianayagam will be more than happy to assist.

Learn some more about the benefits of robotic surgery below:

Robotic surgery for prostate cancer

How can robotic surgery treat urological conditions?

Reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction with robotic surgery