When considering surgical options for any urological condition, a top question many patients have is: “How long will it take to recover?”
In addition, you may be thinking… What will my pain levels be? How long will I be out of work? Will I have a scar?
If treatment for your particular urological condition requires surgery, that doesn’t necessarily mean a large incision or weeks on the couch. Many urological procedures are able to be performed in a minimally invasive way using robotic surgery.
At Virginia Urology we have a team that is highly trained and experienced in robotic surgery, using a surgical system known as the “daVinci robot.” This tool allows the surgeon to operate from tiny incisions, see the surgical site at 12x magnification, and benefit from increased precision. The surgeon is always 100% in control of the robotic system – the surgeon’s hand movements control the way the system’s instruments move during the procedure. (1)
Minimally invasive procedures can improve outcomes, treat urological conditions MORE effectively, and reduce recovery time. Plus, many patients who undergo robotic surgery benefit from shorter hospital stays and less pain.
The daVinci robot’s benefits are the reason that it has been used worldwide to treat more than 3 million patients. Not all procedures can be conducted using the da Vinci system. Some common urological surgeries that can be candidates for robotic assistance include (1) :
- Prostatectomy (surgery for prostate cancer)
- Partial Nephrectomy (surgery for kidney disease)
- Cystectomy (surgery for bladder cancer)
- Pyeloplasty (surgery to fix a urinary obstruction)
- Adrenalectomy (surgery to remove one or more adrenal glands)
Ask your physician at Virginia Urology if robotic surgery is an option for you. Your urologist can help further demystify the da Vinci system, lay out your options, and answer any questions you may have.
