Robotic surgery is a surgical method performed by using small tools that are attached to a robotic system. Let’s take a look at some specifics about this minimally invasive surgery.
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 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.
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 proved to drastically decreased the risks and side effects associated with a number of surgical procedures.
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. He is a proctor for Device Technologies, who supply the Da Vinci Robotic System in Australia. This means 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.
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 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).
