Robotic Surgery Program: Urology Surgery
Introduction
AUBMC is well-recognized as a leading center in Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery, a minimally invasive surgical approach for tumor removal and organ reconstruction in the abdomen and pelvis. The Division of Urology at AUBMC was the first to introduce laparoscopic urologic procedures in the Middle East and the region in the year 2000. In 2013, AUBMC acquired the DaVinci Robotic system which has yielded excellent outcomes in most surgical procedures in urology.
During robotic surgery, the surgeon controls a high-tech surgical system, which translates his hands’ movements into smaller, more precise movements of microinstruments inside the body with an enhanced 3 dimensional vision. Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery allows the urologic surgeon to perform procedures through a few tiny openings. Though it is often called a “robot” surgery, the system cannot act on its own; the surgery is entirely performed by the urologists that are controlling the robotic system. Such a surgery reduces the patient’s pain, bleeding, and complications while ensuring faster recovery. The small incisions result in lesser trauma to the body and minimal scarring.
Our Mission
The robotic program’s mission is to:
- provide our patients with the most advanced care and cure diseases with less pain, less complications, and faster recovery.
- perform safe surgery with the latest available technology.
- increase the reach of this technology to patients with limited financial resources.
- enhance the expertise and knowledge of AUBMC surgical and nursing team through continuous training and education.
Our Vision
- To establish a successful robotic program that benefits patients in Lebanon and the Arab world. (We intend to achieve this goal utilizing a team approach by several expert urologic surgeons)
- To transmit our knowledge and expertise to local and regional partners in the Arab world through workshops and conferences.
- To become a leading center worldwide of innovation and research in minimally invasive surgery and robotics
Our Services
The following urological conditions can be treated with robotic surgery.
- Prostate Cancer: Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALP) allows for higher precision to remove the cancer while preserving the muscular sphincter responsible for continence in addition to the nerves responsible for erection in select cases.
- Bladder Cancer: Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy allows less bleeding, less complications, and faster recovery when compared to open surgery. In men, the procedure allows preservation of the nerves responsible for erection.
- Kidney Cancer: Several procedures can now be performed robotically with high precision, avoiding a large incision and allowing faster recovery:
- Complete removal of the kidney called Robotic Assisted Radical Nephrectomy (RARN).
- A meticulous retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (removal of lymph nodes that are the first station of cancer spread) surrounding the major blood vessels (RPLND).
- Partial removal of the kidney called Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RAPN). It applies to the tumor only with a small margin of normal kidney tissues thus preserving the rest of the kidney.
- Chronic Urinary Tract Obstruction: Obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction: The procedure is called Robotic Pyeloplasty and is performed through small incisions allowing less pain and fast recovery with very accurate and precise suturing of the renal pelvis. Other types of obstructions of the ureter may be amenable to robotic surgery.
Our Team
A dedicated team of experienced urologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses trained to handle the most advanced robotic technology and safely perform ultra-precise surgical procedures.
The robotic procedure is usually performed as a team approach consisting of two robotic surgeons on the working consoles. In addition, there are at least two surgical assistants by the operating table.
Who can benefit from this Program?
If you have been diagnosed with one of the conditions mentioned above, you could be a candidate for robotic surgery.
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery has been shown to help urologic surgeons overcome some of the limitations of advanced laparoscopic surgery and provide increased precision and better visualization in otherwise difficult laparoscopic surgical cases. While clinical studies support the effectiveness of Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Treatment options and possible complications should be discussed with your urologist.
Why come to us?
At AUBMC, we provide the most advanced surgical care using state-of-the-art technology in the hands of experienced urologic surgeons.
Location and Appointment Scheduling
For further information on robotic surgery, and whether or not it is applicable to your condition, you can take an appointment with one of our urologists.
