At Kansas City Urology and Oncology, we bring the latest medical advances to our Kansas City patients. Robotic surgery is the most innovative piece of technology in modern surgery and one of the advancements that we have seen our patients benefit the most from. There are so many advantages for both the patient and the physician. When you’re talking about urologic surgeries, being able to make a smaller incision and get the job done with less disruption to the body is a big deal to our patients. It reduces pain, swelling, and recovery time.
What Is the da Vinci Robotic System?
The da Vinci robotic system is an advanced form of laparoscopic (small incision) surgery where surgeons use a computer-controlled robot to assist them. The robot’s “hands” are much smaller and deliver a high degree of dexterity. This allows surgeons to operate in very tight spaces in the body that would otherwise have to be done with traditional open surgery.
How Does the da Vinci Surgical System Work?
The Single Port da Vinci robot has one arm with instruments attached. Working from a computer console in the operating room, the surgeon looks through a 3-D camera attached to one robotic arm, which magnifies the surgical site for better visibility. The surgeon controls the robotic arms with miniature instruments mounted on them. The surgeon’s hand movements are translated to the instruments which allow the same range of motion and dexterity as human hands. Major advantages for surgeons using robotic surgery include a better view of the surgery site, increased dexterity, and enhanced precision. If you prefer, you can watch a video about da Vinci robotic surgery.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
“The advantage,” says Dr. Douglas N. Tietjen, M.D., “is our patients experience much less pain and subsequently can leave the hospital much sooner.” Dr. David Emmott, M.D. adds, “In addition, our patients recover their normal body functions faster and better with the robotic technology than they did with the open, traditional approach.” Robotic surgery offers many benefits to the patient compared to open surgery:
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced pain
- Reduced risk of infection
- Faster recovery time
- Shorter hospitalization
- Reduced blood loss
- Minimal scarring
KCUC Is a Leader in Robotic Surgery
KCUC has more robotic-trained surgeons within our group than any other group in town. KCUC physicians have performed over 2,500 successful robotic surgeries. “We’re willing to be on that cutting edge when we have the opportunity and we think it’s going to be an advantage for our patients,” says Dr. David Emmott, M.D. The da Vinci robot is an interface between the surgeon and the patient that allows the surgeon to do more precise surgery. That’s a big advantage for both the surgeon and the patient. In 2019, KCUC surgeons pioneered the first daVinci Single Port system in Kansas City after pioneering the first multi-port daVinci robot beginning in 2003.