Our medical team is the only one in Central Florida to offer single port robotic surgery, an evolution of the use of robotic assistance during surgery. The procedure harnesses the power of the da Vinci SP surgical system, which was designed to assist with complex procedures like the prostatectomy –removal of the prostate gland. The term “single port” refers to the need for only one abdominal incision to gain access to your prostate gland and surrounding area.
The single port robotic surgery system offers a new way to approach a variety of complicated procedures. It doesn’t completely replace other systems and procedures. But in some instances, it may be the best choice. Among the treatments where it can be used:
Prostatectomy: The procedure removes part or all of the prostate. This may be used to treat prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
Pyeloplasty: This is done to relieve blockage preventing urine from draining into the bladder from the kidney.
Nephrectomy: The surgical removal of all or part of kidney and may be needed to treat kidney cancer or other kidney diseases or injuries.
Cystectomy: This procedure removes all or part of the bladder. This may be needed for treatment of cancer or other disorders affecting the bladder.
Urinary tract reconstruction: The procedure repairs damage to the urethra, bladder, or ureters, which causes difficulty with urinating or with the storage or transport of urine within the body.
Single port robotic surgery needs only a single one-inch incision to give the instruments access to your abdominal area. More traditional multi-port procedures require three to five incisions. The less your surgeon needs to cut, the better it is for you. You will have fewer scars, less pain, less bleeding and a reduced need for pain medication after the procedure. That also translates to a quicker recovery and less time spent in the hospital.
The single port system doesn’t replace the need for multi-port procedures in all instances. Your team will work with you to determine the best approach for your situation.
If you are eligible for robotic surgery, you will likely be a good candidate for single port surgery. In addition, this procedure may be an option if you have been deemed ineligible for standard robotic procedures. This includes if you have had multiple major abdominal surgeries, severe cardiac or pulmonary diseases, or are morbidly obese. Your surgical team will evaluate your overall health and the severity of your condition to find the right treatment approach.