Robotic surgery in Ankara is a surgical method that has also begun to be used in Türkiye in recent years. This treatment method, which offers considerable comfort for both patients and surgeons, is also known as the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the instruments inserted into the surgical area through small incisions. Robotic surgery, a type of minimally invasive surgical technique, is also frequently used in urology.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
The equipment used in robotic surgery can be examined under three main components. The first consists of three-dimensional cameras inserted into the surgical area. These cameras can also magnify the image approximately 12 times. Other components of robotic surgery include robotic arms, also known as surgical instruments, which have seven degrees of freedom, and the surgical console controlled by the surgeon. Through thin tubes called ports, the surgeon can visualize the surgical area and perform the operation.
Features of Robotic Surgery
Thanks to the three-dimensional cameras used, depth perception is achieved in the surgical field, allowing procedures to be performed more comfortably. Robotic surgery also makes it easier to access very small areas that are difficult to reach during open surgery. The remote-control system helps prevent risks such as hand tremors. Surgical instruments can rotate approximately 540 degrees, allowing access to various regions within the surgical area.
Robotic Surgery in Urology
Robotic surgery, one of the most widely used techniques in urology, is particularly preferred in prostate cancer surgery. In the confined spaces within the pelvis, robotic surgery increases maneuverability and provides a clearer view, helping preserve the nerves located near the prostate. These advantages may reduce the occurrence of postoperative problems such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Furthermore, in kidney operations and procedures related to kidney cancer, the increased range of motion facilitates the dissection and ligation of blood vessels supplying the kidney, helping minimize potential complications.
The procedures in which robotic surgery in urology is used include:
- Robotic kidney cancer surgery
- Robotic prostate cancer surgery
- Robotic bladder cancer surgery
Robotic surgery is a relatively new technology that has been introduced in Türkiye in recent years. Offering numerous advantages for both surgeons and patients, this technology is performed at specialized centers by trained surgeons holding robotic surgery certification. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa KIRAÇ received robotic surgery training in Strasbourg, France, in September 2012 and has been using robotic surgical systems in his operations since then.
How Is Robotic Surgery Performed?
Robotic surgery is a surgical method in which the surgeon performs the operation by controlling robotic arms positioned over the patient from a console located beside the patient. This technique uses a system called da Vinci Robotic Surgery. Initially developed to meet the healthcare needs of astronauts, the system later evolved into plans for performing remote operations in military surgery. Robotic surgery has been used for various operations worldwide for approximately 20 years and in Türkiye for around 10 years. Similar to laparoscopic surgery, procedures are performed through small incisions using a robotic three-dimensional camera and robotic surgical instruments. This provides depth perception similar to human vision and enables visualization from different angles.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery differs from conventional laparoscopy by providing clearer and sharper visualization through three-dimensional imaging. Additionally, the surgical instruments have articulated structures that imitate the movements of the human arm and wrist, allowing highly precise surgical interventions. One advantage of robotic technology is that it does not experience fatigue in the same way as humans. Robotic systems help eliminate factors such as fatigue, tremors in the camera system and surgical arms, and loss of focus during surgery. However, robotic surgery also has certain disadvantages, including the absence of tactile sensation, the time required for setting up and removing the robotic system, the possibility of mechanical device failures, and the high cost of the technology.
How Safe Is Robot-Assisted Surgery?
The precision and coordination of robotic arms help reduce the risk of errors during surgery. This can contribute to improved surgical success and is an important factor in patient safety. Furthermore, operations performed through smaller incisions may result in less pain and discomfort for patients.
In Which Fields Is Robotic Surgery Used?
Robotic bypass surgery is a surgical technique used in cardiac procedures, particularly coronary artery bypass surgery, congenital heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, heart valve operations, septal defect surgery, and the removal of tumors inside the heart. The areas in which robotic surgery is used in Ankara include obesity surgery, treatment of colon and rectal cancers, treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and urology. Robotic surgery may be performed on patients with these conditions whose general health status is suitable for surgical intervention. This also answers the question of who is eligible for robotic surgery.
Cost of Robotic Surgery
In Türkiye, the system preferred for robotic surgical procedures is called da Vinci and is manufactured by a single company. Because this specialized system is used, the costs of robotic surgery are generally calculated in US dollars. The total cost of operations performed with robotic surgery includes surgical and hospital expenses as well as the initial investment in the robotic surgical system, annual maintenance expenses, and the cost of robotic instruments. The prices of robotic surgery used in the treatment of urological cancers are determined by factors such as the stage of cancer and the extent of tumor spread.
