Initially approved by the FDA in 2000, the da Vinci surgical robotic system has evolved to become an indispensable part of the modern surgical armamentarium. Several urologic surgeons at the University of Arizona are fellowship-trained and specialized in robotic urologic surgery, offering patients cutting-edge, minimally invasive robotic surgical treatments for a variety of urologic diseases.
There are several advantages to robotic-assisted surgery. Because of smaller incisions and lack of mechanical retraction during the operation, there is less post-operative pain and faster recuperation. The stereoscopic camera provides 10-fold magnification (improving visualization of key anatomic structures) and depth perception, enabling the surgeon to see deep into the recesses of the abdomen and pelvis — into areas hard to visualize during an open operation.
The instruments also have a greater degree of freedom than a standard laparoscopic instrument and mimic the flexibility of the human hand, thereby facilitating complex suturing and tissue manipulation while shortening overall operative times.
Lastly, the ergonomic posture of the surgeon at the console minimizes chronic injury to the surgeon, increasing productivity and endurance.
Robotic-assisted procedures offered by urologists at The University of Arizona:
- Robotic-assisted nerve sparing prostatectomy for prostate cancer
- Robotic-assisted cystectomy with neobladder reconstruction for bladder cancer
- Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal cancer
- Robotic-assisted pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction of the kidney
- Robotic-assisted ureteral reimplantation for stricture disease
- Robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy for vaginal prolapse
Make an Appointment
For the best urology surgical care in Tucson, Southern Arizona and the Southwest, you can make an appointment by calling us at (520) 694-4032.