In urology, robotic surgery is most commonly employed to perform radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Other potential uses include radical cystectomy (removal of the urinary bladder) for bladder cancer and partial nephrectomy (removal of part of the kidney) for kidney cancer.
What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopic surgery. It involves the use of a ‘master-slave device’ which allows the surgeon to sit at a console away from the patient, driving robotic arms which operate laparoscopic instruments. This superb technology offers the surgeon magnified 3-dimensional vision inside the patient’s body and wristed laparoscopic instruments which have more freedom of movement than the human hand. These features allow extremely precise dissection.
Where do AUA urologists perform robotic surgery?
AUA urologists operate using the robot systems currently available in Melbourne at Cabrini Malvern, Epworth Richmond and Epworth Eastern in Box Hill.
To discuss robotic surgery further, please contact AUA on 8506 3600 to make an appointment with one of our urologists.