Robotic surgery has had the greatest impact on the treatment of localized prostate cancer as Robotic Radical Prostatectomy is the most commonly performed robotic surgical procedure. Although, Robotic Radical Prostatectomy is a relatively new procedure it has grown rapidly in popularity, and is now the most common surgical approach to treat localized prostate cancer. As with open radical prostatectomy, Robotic Radical Prostatectomy involves removal of the entire prostate and seminal vesicles with re-connection of the urethra and bladder. The goal of Robotic Radical Prostatectomy is to remove all of the cancer without disrupting normal urinary, bowel and sexual function. Since the DaVinci Robot provides a magnified field of vision along with enhanced surgical dexterity, Robotic Radical Prostatectomy can usually be performed with less blood loss and fewer side effects than the typical open radical prostectomy. Studies have also suggested that cancer control rates may be improved with robotic surgery.
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Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery
Historically, the best treatment for kidney tumors required removal of the entire kidney. Over the past 2 decades improvements in surgical technique have made it possible to safely remove kidney tumors without removing the entire kidney. Large studies have now demonstrated that most kidney tumors 4 cm or less are best managed with a partial nephrectomy (removal of the tumor and only part of kidney). Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) approach to total nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney) has been popularized as a method to reduce pain and side effects associated with traditional open kidney surgery. The application of minimally invasive surgery to partial nephrectomy has been limited due to the technical difficulty of this operation.
