What is da Vinci Surgical Robotic system (Robotic Surgery)?
Robotic surgery was first performed by researchers working at NASA to operate on astronauts in space. In 1997, the first robot-assisted cholecystectomy (an operation to remove the gallbladder) was performed by using a prototype of the da Vinci system. In 2000, after the approval of the Food and Drug Administration, it was initially used in cardiovascular surgery before becoming widely used in urology, general surgery, and gynaecology.
Robotic-assisted surgery using the daVinci® Surgical System allows doctors to conduct sophisticated minimally invasive surgical operations with precision and accuracy. The device is a cutting-edge robotic platform intended to increase the surgeon's capabilities and provide an open surgery option. With the high manoeuvrability of the robot arms and the 3-dimensional camera system controlled by the surgeon, a real revolution has been experienced in closed surgical applications. Robotic surgery has many advantages over classical laparoscopy and open surgery. The most important advantages for the patient are less blood loss, less pain, faster return to work and earlier discharge time, and fewer incisions. Therefore, robotic surgery operations are much more effective than classical surgeries.
Our Hospital and da Vinci Robotic System
Our hospital has a highly experienced team of experts with robotic surgery certificates. We are honoured to inform our patients that more than 1800 successful robotic surgeries have been performed so far and resulted in healthier and satisfied patients. Da Vinci Robotic Surgery Systems are used in operations of Urology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery and Thoracic Surgery branches.
Urology and Use of da Vinci Robotic System
Among the departments where surgical robots is frequently used is urology. Robotic surgery in urology is used in major surgeries such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, renal outlet obstruction and ureterovesical stricture (urinary tract entering the bladder). The most important advantage of robotic surgery in prostate cancer surgeries is that it allows performing a much more effective tumour control, there is almost no urinary incontinence that becomes the nightmare of the patients, and there is a lower rate of postoperative sexual dysfunction.
Use of da Vinci Robotic System in Gynaecology and Obstetrics
The most common conditions that require surgical treatment in gynaecological diseases are myomas, ovarian cysts, problems such as the vagina, bladder, uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence caused by herniation of reproductive organs. When the need for a surgical treatment arises, patients are justifiably curious about how the surgery will affect their lives, problems that may occur in the early and late periods due to surgery, recovery time, return to work and social life, and the effects of the surgery on sexual life. With the advantages of robotic surgery, it is possible for the patient to get rid of all these concerns because daVinci® Surgical System has revolutionised complex surgeries for the gynaecologist by enabling them to Robotic surgery has revolutionised the way gynaecologists perform complex surgeries, enabling them to operate with much more control and precision than before. Gynaecology and Obstetrics Specialist Prof. Dr. Aydan BIRI will perform the robotic operations, who was awarded the "Expert Robotic Surgeon" due to her successful performance in a great number of robotic operations.
Use of da Vinci Robotic System in Cardiac Operations
Open surgery was the only method available to physicians for performing cardiac operations in the past, which requires a long chest incision in the middle of the chest. To operate on the heart, surgeons cut through the breastbone and open the ribcage. Although open heart surgery is still performed, we are using daVinci® Surgical System. Robotic heart surgeries are the highest level of technology in heart surgeries. With the daVinci robotic system that we use in this technique, we perform the operations by entering between the ribs with 4 incisions smaller than 1 cm without opening the chest of our patients. With robotic surgery, we can perform cardiac surgeries such as coronary bypass, repair and replacement of mitral and tricuspid heart valves, removal of tumours and arrhythmia surgery. One of the biggest advantages is that there is less need for blood transfusions during the surgery and the postoperative pain is much less compared to the classical method. With this method, our patients can return to their business and social lives in a short time.
Use of da Vinci Robotic System in Lung Cancer
Robotic surgery is the latest technological method in the treatment of lung cancer and the infrastructure that allows us to perform all thoracic surgery operations, especially operations for lung cancer, with robotic surgery available in our hospital. The camera also enables the surgeon to see the chest clearly during surgery and to reach areas of the chest that can be challenging to access. Moreover, fewer complications, less blood loss and faster recovery times are seen due to the minimally invasive nature of the surgery.
Use of da Vinci Robotic System in Colon Cancer
Surgical treatment is usually the first option in the treatment of colon cancer too. With robotic surgery, patients experience less pain, and the risk of bleeding during the operation is reduced. It does not pose a risk of surgical infection and the hospital stay of the patients is shortened.
Use of da Vinci Robotic System in Hernia Surgeries
Hernia surgeries are another area where robotic surgery provides advantages. Hernia is a condition that cannot be treated with medication and can only be corrected by surgical repair. Robotic surgery offers advantages such as separating the hernia area from intact tissues easily and safely and facilitating the application of patches with its 3-dimensional image, sensitivity and agility. The biggest advantage it provides compared to open surgery is that the patch is applied from the back of the hernia, not from the front of it. This advantage reduces the risk of recurrence of the hernia.