Da Vinci technology is one of the most exciting advances in the surgical treatment of kidney condition. Da Vinci technology employs robotic arms to manipulate tiny surgical tools, effectively combining laparoscopy with cutting edge robotic technology.

A urologist well versed in da Vinci technology will be familiar with several procedures which can be performed via da Vinci surgery. One example is the da Vinci pyeloplasty, which uses robotic arms to remove blockage between the kidney and the ureter so that urine can effectively drain from the kidney.

What to Expect During a da Vinci Pyeloplasty

In a da Vinci pyeloplasty, your doctor controls robotic arms through a nearby console. The console mimics the doctor’s arm and hand motions precisely, allowing the doctor to handle tiny, flexible surgical tools with great agility and control.

Robotic arms can extend and rotate with even greater range than the doctor’s arms and hands, increasing your doctor’s agility and allowing for more precise cutting. The da Vinci system uses 3D high definition cameras which gives the doctor clearer vision of the surgical site.During the procedure, your doctor will:

• Make small cuts along the abdomen to access the kidneys.
• Insert an endoscope (a small thin tube with a lighted tip and a camera) through one of the small incisions and specialized, wristed tools through the other incisions to cut and remove any obstruction between the kidney and the ureter.
• Widen and recreate the channel between the kidney and the ureter using remaining renal and ureter tissue. This will effectively recreate the channel and improve the passage of urine into the ureter.
• If kidney stones are identified, they will also be removed.
• Finally, your doctor will place a stent (small mesh tube) in the kidney to keep the passage open while the site heals. The stent is removed about a month after the procedure in the doctor’s office.

Advantages of da Vinci for Kidney Conditions

There are many advantages of da Vinci surgery over open or laparoscopic surgery.

Smaller incisions mean less blood loss and pain, reduced healing time, and pain medication. This means you will leave the hospital sooner after da Vinci surgery. The da Vinci system uses 3D, high-definition video, allows for more agile surgical manipulation, more precise and accurate cutting, and a less tired surgeon. The use of robotics also cuts down on doctor fatigue during the surgery.

The success of your surgery will depend on your overall heath, the state of your illness, and your doctor’s skill level. Discuss the possibility of using da Vinci surgery with your doctor. Your doctor can determine if a da Vinci procedure would help treat your kidney condition.

Learn more about da Vinci for Kidney Disorders (Pyeloplasty).