Robot-assisted da Vinci procedures

The robot-assisted da Vinci procedure is the most recent development in the field of laparoscopic surgical techniques. The system consists of four movable robotic arms, mounted on a stand, which hold the laparoscopic instruments, and a console that provides a workstation for the surgeon. The movements of the surgeon’s hands move the arms and the instruments. The robot does not operate independently, but very precisely copies the movements of the urologist. Due to the EndoWrist technology, the mobility of the miniaturised instruments corresponds to the of the human hand and has up to 7 degrees of freedom. A high-resolution camera provides the surgeon with a three-dimensional view and tenfold magnification. The instruments are guided smoothly thanks to the robot’s software. This enables particularly precise movements that make it possible to preserve much of the anatomical structures and enable the surgeon to, for example, preserve the erectile nerves during radical prostate surgery.

The experience and expertise of the surgeon is the decisive factor for the quality of the procedure, especially in the case of da Vinci-assisted surgeries. The da Vinci system does not run independently, but is a robotic surgical tool that exclusively transfers the movement of the surgeon to the patient in a smooth and precise manner.

What are the advantages for the patient?

This robot-assisted surgical technique uses particularly precise movements and dissection, which leads to a reduction in pain and reduces blood lost. The patient benefits from a faster postoperative recovery as well as a shortened inpatient stay. The surgical scars are also smaller than traditional methods, leading to a better cosmetic result.

Robot-assisted da Vinci procedures

Robot-assisted surgery techniques have replaced many conventional surgical procedures in the field of urology. Important areas in which the da Vinci surgical robot are used include: