Urological Institute

Robotic Surgery

VIDEO > Discover how minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci robotic surgery system is changing the experience of urologic surgery at Cooper.
Urologic surgeons at Cooper University Hospital have been performing minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery since 2003, distinguishing Cooper as the first in the region to treat prostate cancer using the da Vinci Surgical System. Their experience, skill and success with the da Vinci prostate surgery procedure has enabled them to apply this technology to other urological diseases, achieving excellent outcomes for hundreds of patients throughout the Delaware Valley. Cooper Urologic Institute also offers robotic-surgery patients the added benefit of a full, dedicated team of health-care professionals specializing solely in their care.

What is Robotic-assisted Surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery is a computer-enhanced, minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to operate while seated at a console system, viewing a magnified 3-D image of the surgical field. The system’s advanced technology translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise, real-time movements of the surgical instruments inside the body, allowing the surgeon the benefits of better vision and maneuverability, and very refined precision in the dissection of delicate tissue. The instruments are introduced into the body through small, 8mm tubes (less than one-third of an inch) called trocars, which leave virtually no scars and cause very little pain after surgery.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery

Because it’s a minimally invasive procedure allowing more surgical precision in complex operations, robotic surgery offers patients these potential advantages over conventional “open” surgery:

  • Shorter hospital stay — usually 24 hours to 48 hours
  • Less post-operative pain — only about four to five external incisions measuring less than one-third of an inch each are required
  • Quicker recovery — most patients return to work or resume full activity in two to three weeks
  • Reduced blood loss — the 3-D, 15x magnification of the surgical field improves the surgeon’s ability to control small blood vessels
  • Improved outcome — the technology makes it easier for surgeons to delicately handle tissue and preserve vital nerves and blood vessels

Surgical Procedures Performed Robotically

VIDEO > Learn how a da Vinci® Prostatectomy is performed and the benefits over traditional surgery.

LAPAROSCOPIC PROSTATE SURGERY -
Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
The gold standard treatment option for men under 70 with early-stage, organ-confined cancer is surgical removal of the prostate using nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. Prostatectomy is also the most widely used treatment for prostate cancer today in the US.

As the first center in the Delaware Valley to perform the robotic radical prostatectomy (total removal of the prostate) in 2003, Cooper has the most experience of any other institution in the area. Using the da Vinci prostate surgery procedure, surgeons can more easily identify the delicate nerves and muscles surrounding the prostate, resulting in patients experiencing less blood loss, quicker recovery time and fewer side effects, such as urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction–important considerations for patients when choosing a treatment option.

PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY OF THE KIDNEY - Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
For the great majority of patients diagnosed with kidney cancer, the standard of care has changed from radical nephrectomy (total removal of the kidney) to partial nephrectomy —removal of only the area of the kidney where the cancer is present. This has great implications for patients. There is less risk of kidney failure and other serious complications, particularly in patients with hypertension and diabetes. Unlike conventional surgery, which required a very large incision that caused a lot of pain and delays in recovery, the robotic nephrectomy results in patients experiencing minimal pain and a recovery period of about two to three weeks.

BLADDER CANCER REMOVAL - Robotic Radical Cystectomy
Patients with invasive bladder cancer requiring removal of the bladder can now have this operation performed robotically. It provides all of the advantages this minimally invasive, high-precision procedure has to offer: less bleeding, less pain and faster recovery.

Other Surgical Procedures Performed Robotically

  • Robotic Pyeloplasty – The aim of this operation is the surgical reconstruction or revision of the renal pelvis to drain and decompress a kidney that is obstructed, usually from a congenital malformation known as uretero-pelvic junction obstruction. This robotic procedure is performed very precisely through only three, small incisions. Most patients are discharged the next day.
  • Robotic Retroperitoneal Node Dissection for Testicular Cancer – Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection has a diagnostic and therapeutic role in testicular cancer. With conventional surgery, a large incision is required, but in selected patients, the robotic approach is equally effective, while providing all of the advantages that minimally invasive surgery offers.
  • Robotic Colposuspension for Female Prolapse and Incontinence – This operation strengthens the pelvic floor to lift the uterus and bladder in women suffering from pelvic floor prolapse and urinary incontinence.

Phone For more information about robotic surgery at the Cooper Urological Institute, please call 1-800-8-COOPER (800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.