DR. VIVEK VENKAT

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Best UroSurgeon in India

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WHAT IS ROBOTIC SURGERY?

Robotic surgery uses a state-of-the-art minimally-invasive surgical platform (Intuitive Surgical- da VinciTM robotic unit).
The surgeon sits at a console and operates.
Slender (8mm) instruments are inserted into the abdomen and controlled by the surgeons movements (robot = slave).
Robotic instruments are “wristed” allowing more flexible and precise movements.
The robotic camera provides a magnified (up to 12 times) 3-dimensional view.

WHEN IS ROBOTIC SURGERY DONE FOR KIDNEY DISEASE?

Robotic surgery is an option for a number of bladder diseases.
Radical cystectomy is the gold standard treatment for bladder cancer invading the muscle layer and beyond. It is traditionally a formidable open surgery. Today, this can be performed robotically with reduced blood loss and quicker recover.
Partial cystectomy is rarely performed for small tumors or particular types of tumor like urachal adenocarcinoma. It can be performed robotically with minimal complications.
Bladder diverticula are outpouchings of the bladder wall can be associated with stones or infection. They can be excised very well using the robotic approach.
Reconstructive procedures like fistula repair and augmentation cystoplasty for very small bladders can be performed robotically.
Urology has always been at the forefront of robotic surgery and today all the above procedures can be performed robotically with great success.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY?

There is no special preparation for robotic procedures. To proceed with any surgery the general instructions are:

Basic blood and urine tests to assess fitness for surgery.
Cardiac evaluation like ECG and 2D-Echo.
To stop blood thinning medication for 5-7 days before the surgery.
Anesthesia check-up and assessment.
Healthy diet and exercise until the surgery.
Admission the day prior or day of surgery.

What to expect after surgery?

This will depend on the type of procedure that has been performed.
For most patients, resumption of a liquid diet occurs within 24-48 hours after surgery.
You will also be able to get out of bed and walk a few hours after surgery.
Pain after surgery is mild and easily controlled with medications.
You are expected to be discharged from hospital in 5-7 days.
You can walk as much as you like but we recommend avoiding strenuous activity like lifting weights, golfing, going to the gym, etc. for 1 month after surgery.

ADVANTAGES OF ROBOTIC SURGERY

Robotic surgery provides significant benefits for both patient and surgeon.

Smaller incisions with less pain and scarring
Shorter hospital stay and quick return to normal activities
Reduced bleeding and blood transfusion rates
Lower risk for wound infection
Less risk of anastomotic narrowing in reconstructive procedures
Excellent magnified view allowing precise surgery and preservation of other organs.
Much more ergonomic than laparoscopy
Ease of suturing at a depth for renal transplants especially in obese patients.
Minimal bowel handling allowing rapid recovery of function

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ROBOTIC KIDNEY SURGERY?

Every surgery carries a risk of complications.

General complications may include bleeding, infection, blood clots, pneumonia, delay in recovery of intestinal function (ileus), etc.
In addition, specific complications related to the procedure are covered in each relevant section.
Robotic surgery has been shown to reduce complication rates when compared to other approaches.
Bleeding: Bladder cancers generally have a very robust blood supply and can even invade adjacent blood vessels. Bleeding is a significant risk in these surgeries and transfusion may be required, however this is reduced by 50% with robotic surgery.
Complications of the urinary diversion after radical cystectomy can be significant and are discussed in the relevant section.
Injury to adjacent organs: In cases of large tumors, adjacent organs like the spleen, tail of pancreas, intestines, etc. may be stuck to the tumor or affected kidney. Sometimes this cannot be conclusively seen on the CT scan or MRI and the organs may need to be removed during the procedure.

FAQs

What are the results of robotic bladder surgery?

Robotic surgery has reduced complications and quicker recovery than open surgery with no compromise in the efficiency of the surgery.

What are the advantages of robotic surgery?

It allows a very precise surgery with fewer complications, better functional outcomes and no compromise in cancer control.

How painful is the surgery?

Pain is quite mild and easily managed with tablet medications.

When will I be discharged from hospital?

Most patients are discharged in 5-7 days after the surgery however this can take longer and depends on the extent of the procedure.

When can I resume normal work?

Work can be resumed usually 3-4 weeks after surgery.

Location 1:
Jewel Urology Center
No. 89, N. S. Road Number 1,
Navpada, JVPD Scheme,
Andheri West
Mumbai 400049, India
(m):+919136041545
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By appointments only
Email: appointments@drvivekvenkat.com
Phone:+919136041545
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Nanavati Max Hospital
S.V road, Vile Parle west
Mumbai 400056, India
Visiting Hours : Mon-Sat 2 - 4.30 pm
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Phone:+919136041545
Whatsapp: +919136041545

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Saifee Hospital
15/17, Maharshi Karve Rd,
Opposite Charni Road Station East,
Mumbai 400004, India
(m):+919136041545
Visiting Hours : Thursday 11am - 1 pm
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Email: appointments@drvivekvenkat.com
Phone:+919136041545
Whatsapp: +919136041545

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