Surgery for Urologic Cancers

Why is Robotic Urologic Surgery better for patients?

A faster recovery means everything

When working near delicate and sensitive parts of the body, robotic surgery offers improved outcomes by enhancing the capabilities of the surgeon. Smaller incisions are needed with robotic surgery than traditional surgery, while the surgeon can also easily assess the surrounding areas and lymph nodes for signs of cancer spread (metastasis). Using a small camera, the surgeon views high resolution images on a video screen at the control console. The robot is controlled entirely by the urologist, replicating his or her delicate maneuvers precisely. For example, Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery requires delicate handling of the nerves of the prostate, which helps retain function. This procedure is best performed robotically.

The da Vinci Surgical System translates the surgeon’s movements precisely using a smaller opening.

Benefits of robotic surgery include:

• Improved functional recovery
• Highly delicate surgical procedures and repairs can be made
• Reduced patient recovery time
• Shorter hospital stays
• Less post-surgical pain

After the surgery is performed, the robot is also used to repair areas of the body to restore function. They may include the use of tissue from the bladder, or bowel, to repair the small tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The robot is so precise that the surgeon can stitch very small tissues together in less space than by human hand. These maneuvers are less invasive, therefore the operation results in reduced patient recovery time.

Innovations for Reconstructive Surgery

The Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica was the first center in California to utilize Ceevra’s 3D surgical planning application as standard practice for patients undergoing a radical or partial nephrectomy (surgical removal of the kidney). This innovation provides advanced visualization for the surgeon to maximize surgical outcomes.

Unlike relying on standard black and white CT scans or MRI images, Ceevra converts these images into a brilliant, interactive, multi-color 3D digital image with greater detail, plus a true 3D visualization that helps to guide surgical approach. Ceevra 3D digital images are optimized for viewing across digital devices and virtual reality (VR), helping the surgeons plan and perform complex operations, while helping patients better understand their condition and the proposed course of treatment.

Listen to Dr. Jennifer Linehan, Urologic Oncologist, discuss surgical planning using Ceevra 3D Imaging.

Considerations and implications of urologic surgery

Surgery for urologic cancers and conditions presents a variety of challenges, which can have a temporary and lasting impact. Depending on the patient’s age and stage of cancer, post-surgical effects and recovery time will vary. For example, changes in erectile control (men) or in the ability to control urine flow, often result from changes to the body commonly associated with the effects of surgery and organ removal. This is typically measured by the level of urinary or erectile control that existed prior to the surgery.

Such changes in the body can be lessened to the point of achieving normal function. With modern technologies, ongoing care and support, and established treatments that are safer than ever before, surgical procedures that involve the bladder, kidneys, prostate, and ureters, can be achieved with greater success. This is possible due to minimally invasive techniques and innovative therapeutics. Minimally-invasive Robotic Surgery, for example, allows patients to recover more quickly and with fewer side effects. The possibility of infection from surgery is also greatly reduced with minimally invasive techniques, which further improves patient outcomes and quality of life. Therefore, the impact on urinary and other sexual functions can be widely mitigated, which helps to bring patients back to a more familiar and functional state. Our goal is to maximize curative effect and ensure optimal function after surgery.

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