RU
In the realm of modern urology, prostate surgeries have emerged as the second most prevalent interventions. The most common diagnoses necessitating prostatectomy are prostate cancer (malignant tumor) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Thanks to cutting-edge technologies and high-precision equipment, it is now possible to completely address these issues while minimizing the risk of complications and recurrences. In recent years, the da Vinci robot has been increasingly taking center stage in these surgical procedures.
Prostatectomy involves the partial or complete resection of the prostate gland. The treatment of BPH and prostate cancer through removal using the da Vinci robot only became feasible in the 21st century, thanks to the innovative developments of American engineers. The distinguishing feature of robot-assisted interventions is their minimally invasive nature — the apparatus doesn't need to make wide tissue incisions to access the operative area; a few small punctures suffice. This significantly reduces the risk of various infections penetrating the cavity and allows healthy tissues to remain untouched, while also substantially shortening recovery time.
Advantages of robotic surgery
The primary advantage of removing prostate cancer and BPH using the da Vinci robot is the immediate elimination of the disease. Complete and rapid relief from urinary incontinence and preservation of sexual function are equally important effects that neither classical resection nor even laparoscopy can guarantee.
Additional benefits of using the robotic surgeon include:
- This procedure is considered minimally bloody, completely eliminating the risk of profuse bleeding.
- The risk of infection during or after the procedure is reduced to a minimum.
- It requires a significantly smaller volume of anesthesia compared to conventional interventions.
- The duration of the operation itself, as well as the recovery period, is substantially reduced.
- Pain sensations are minimal.
- The entry points (punctures) leave virtually invisible scars.
- The robotic camera's detailed visualization of the affected area offers maximum precision, incomparable to human vision, and the image quality is not dependent on the operating room's lighting conditions.
- All manipulations are concentrated in the hands of a single surgeon, eliminating the need for an entire team's presence.
- The robotic system's manipulators allow for actions that are simply not accessible to human hands.
- Robot-assisted operations are recognized as the most effective and least traumatic to date.
- The use of the da Vinci robot completely eliminates the influence of human factors such as physical fatigue, quick tiredness, and consequent loss of focus. The robot doesn't tire — it's always ready for precise manipulations, while the doctor comfortably sits in an ergonomic chair, making minimal hand movements at the control console.
Reviews of da vinci
On specialized forums, one can familiarize oneself with the opinions of patients who have undergone radical surgical intervention and prostate removal using the da Vinci robot, and compare reviews. Robotic operations were praised for their speed, quick discharge home, rapid elimination of incontinence, and the ability to resume sexual activity. For standard interventions, the main advantage was and remains the lower cost.
Cost of removal
In Rostov-on-Don, the prices for prostatectomy vary depending on the complexity of the case. Radical surgical intervention costs around 50-60 thousand rubles, while digital robotic surgery is significantly more expensive but offers a number of substantial advantages. The cost of such surgical intervention is due to the high price of ultra-modern equipment and the complexity of its maintenance. However, as a result, the patient receives a quick guaranteed outcome, absence of risk of negative consequences, and a short recovery period. These significant pluses more than compensate for the justifiably high cost of prostate surgery using the da Vinci robot or its analogues.
Analogues of the da vinci robot
Speaking of analogues, da Vinci is far from the only robot successfully used for prostatectomy. In the urological department of the Rostov hospital «RZD-Medicine,» operative interventions are conducted using a special robotic platform, Asensus Surgical, equipped with three manipulators and performing manipulations based on complex artificial intelligence with extended functionality. The robot transmits to the monitor a 3D image of amazing clarity, captured by a video camera based on eye-tracking technology.
During operation, the system provides tactile feedback to the three manipulators, which guide the skilled hands of the surgeon. This feature allows the doctor to feel the structure of the tissues being operated on and ensures unprecedented safety during intracavitary interventions.
The prostatectomy procedure at the «RZD-Medicine» hospital is performed by the head of the urological department himself, Professor R.A. Gurtskoy — a doctor of the highest category with over 25 years of experience and an impeccable reputation among grateful patients and colleagues.
The future of robotic prostate surgery
As we look towards the future, it's clear that robotic surgery, particularly in the field of urology, is set to become even more advanced and widespread. The continuous refinement of robotic systems like the da Vinci and Asensus Surgical platforms promises to further enhance surgical precision, reduce recovery times, and improve overall patient outcomes.
One area of potential growth is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into robotic surgical systems. These advancements could allow for real-time analysis of surgical techniques, providing surgeons with instant feedback and suggestions for optimal approaches based on vast databases of previous surgeries.
Another exciting prospect is the development of smaller, more versatile robotic systems that could make this technology more accessible to a wider range of hospitals and clinics. This could democratize access to high-quality robotic prostate surgeries, ensuring that more patients can benefit from these advanced techniques.
Telesurgery is another frontier that holds immense potential. As robotic systems become more sophisticated and internet connectivity improves, it may become possible for expert surgeons to perform procedures remotely, bringing their skills to patients in underserved areas or in emergency situations where local expertise is not available.
Conclusion
The advent of robotic surgery, exemplified by systems like the da Vinci robot and its analogues, has revolutionized the field of prostate surgery. These advanced technologies offer numerous benefits, including enhanced precision, reduced invasiveness, faster recovery times, and improved preservation of critical functions.
While the cost of these procedures remains higher than traditional surgical methods, the long-term benefits in terms of patient outcomes and quality of life often justify the investment. As technology continues to advance and become more widespread, it's likely that costs will decrease, making these procedures more accessible to a broader range of patients.
The success of robotic prostate surgery also underscores the importance of continued investment in medical technology and the training of skilled surgeons capable of harnessing these advanced tools. As we move forward, the collaboration between human expertise and robotic precision promises to further improve the treatment of prostate conditions, offering hope and improved outcomes for countless patients worldwide.
It's important to note, however, that while robotic surgery offers many advantages, it's not suitable for every patient or every condition. The decision to use robotic surgery should always be made on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the patient's overall health, the specific characteristics of their condition, and the expertise available at the treating facility.
As with any medical procedure, patients considering robotic prostate surgery should have thorough discussions with their healthcare providers, understanding both the potential benefits and risks. The remarkable advancements in this field offer new hope and options for those facing prostate conditions, but they should be approached with informed decision-making and realistic expectations.
In conclusion, the da Vinci robot and its analogues represent a significant leap forward in the treatment of prostate conditions. As these technologies continue to evolve and improve, they hold the promise of even better outcomes for patients, further cementing their place as a cornerstone of modern urological surgery.