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Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery

Introduction

Laparoscopy, also frequently referred to as minimally invasive surgery, is a recent advance in urology. Originally used for diagnosis only, laparoscopy is now increasingly used as a minimally invasive therapuetic tool in treating complex urologic conditions. Laparoscopy utilizes specialized scopes and instruments to work within a gas filled abdomen.

Urologic Laparoscopy

Urologic laparoscopy has been applied to diagnostic, reconstructive, and oncology (cancer) procedures. Often, a large surgical incision can be avoided, resulting in more rapid recovery, shortened hospital stay, and return to usual activities.

Kidney and Adrenal Laparoscopic Surgery

Urologic laparoscopy has revolutionized our approach to kidney and adrenal surgery.  Kidney laparoscopy is often used to perform:

  • Radical nephrectomy (complete kidney removal for cancer)
  • Nephro-ureterectomy (complete kidney and ureter removal for transitional cell carcinoma)
  • Renal mass cryoablation (freezing)
  • Partial nephrectomy (removal of mass with kidney preservation) in appropriate patients

The adrenal gland which is located just above the kidney is ideally suited to the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of functional adenoma and pheochromocytoma.

1) Perrotti M, Badger WJ, McLeod D, et al: Does laparoscopy beget the underuse of partial nephrectomy for T1 renal masses? Competing treatment decision pathways may influence utilization. J Endourol 2007; 21:1223-1228.

2) Perrotti M, Ankem M, Peterson S, Geis WP: Laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy with the use of a single midline hand-assist port. JSLS 2003; 7:273-275.

Robotic Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy is now performed almost exclusively using laparoscopy with the daVinci Robotic Surgical System at our institution.  Robotic prostatectomy is performed by Drs. Chang, Perrotti, Murray and Capello. 

1) Perrotti M, Moran ME: Robotic prostatectomy outcomes. Urol Oncol 2005; 23:341-345.

Robotic Pyeloplasty

Delicate complex reconstruction of the uretero-pelvic junction in cases of obstruction is now performed using the daVinci Robotic Surgical System.     


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