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Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked pertaining to laparoscopic surgeries and robotic prostatectomies. If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact our office or send us an email. Dr. Scherr or a member of his staff will respond to you as soon as possible.
1. What is laparoscopic surgery?
2. What is robotic-assisted surgery?
3. What is the da Vinci robot?
4. What is a robotic prostatectomy?
5. What are the benefits of laparoscopic robotic surgery, as opposed to the more tradition open-surgery method?
6. Am I a candidate for robotic surgery?
1. What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, is a modern surgical technique in which short, narrow tubes (trochars) are inserted into the abdomen through small (less than one centimeter) incisions. Long, narrow instruments are inserted through the trochars. The surgeon uses these instruments to manipulate, cut, and sew tissue. The use of a laparoscope, a telescopic rod connected to a camera, illuminates the area that is being operated on and creates a viewing space for the surgeon.
2. What is laparoscopic surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery is the use of robots in performing a surgery. There are many advantages to robotic-assisted surgeries which are described below.
3. What is the da Vinci robot?
The da Vinci robot is commonly used to perform prostatectomies, or removal of the prostate gland, in the case of prostate cancer. It is perhaps the most famous robotic surgery apparatus in the world, as it was the first robotic system allowed in operating rooms in the year 2000 for laparoscopic procedures. It falls under the category of telesurgical devices, meaning a human directs the motions of the robot. The technology allows the surgeon to get closer to the surgical site than human vision will allow. The da Vinci system contains three parts: a surgeon's console, a patient-side robotic cart with four arms manipulated by the surgeon; one to control the camera, and three to manipulate the instruments, and a high-definition 3D vision system.
4. What is a robotic prostatectomy?
A robotic prostatectomy is a surgical procedure, aided by a robotic system, to completely remove the prostate gland when cancer is present. The da Vinci robotic system is the most famous and widely used system today to assist the surgeon in performing a robotic prostatectomy.
5. What are the benefits of laparoscopic robotic surgery, as opposed to the more tradition open-surgery method?
There are several benefits to undergoing a robotic surgery, which is performed laparoscopically:
- Because of the minimally invasive incisions into the abdomen, there is less tissue damage and scarring.
- Da Vinci robotic surgeries typically result in less post-operative pain and discomfort for the patient.
- Quicker recovery time for the patient: Da Vinci robotic surgeries require shorter post-operative hospital recovery time as well as a faster return to a normal activity level.
- Enhanced precision: Robotic assistants decrease the fatigue that doctors experience during long surgeries that last several hours. Even the steadiest of human hands cannot match those of a surgical robot, especially after a long period of time.
6. Am I a candidate for robotic surgery?
Most men who have been diagnosed with localized cancer are candidates for obtaining robotic surgery. Call Dr. Scherr's office today to learn more about the procedure, or schedule an appointment with Dr. Scherr.