Robotic Surgery

Advantages of Robotic Surgery Over Open Surgery

The Da Vinci robotic surgery system offers several significant advantages for both patients and surgeons compared to open surgeries. These advantages ensure a safer surgical process and faster postoperative recovery.

• Less Bleeding and Need for Blood Transfusion: Thanks to the very small incision size and the precise movements of the robotic arms, tissue damage is minimized, significantly reducing the risk of bleeding.
• Less Pain: The absence of large surgical incisions allows patients to experience much less pain after surgery.
• Fast Recovery and Short Hospital Stay: Patients are discharged in a much shorter time compared to open surgeries and can return to their daily lives and work earlier.
• Low Infection Risk: The minimal incision area reduces contact with the external environment, lowering the risk of infection.
• Aesthetic Advantages: Since the surgery is performed through just a few small holes, there are no large and prominent surgical scars left on the body.
• High Surgical Precision: In narrow spaces unreachable by the human hand, much safer and clearer interventions are made with robotic arms that eliminate hand tremors.

What Diseases and Conditions Are Treated? (In Which Departments is Robotic Surgery Used?)

In our hospital, robotic surgery is successfully applied across many different medical branches. In our center, which stands out among hospitals performing robotic surgery, our specialist physicians work with a multidisciplinary approach.

Robotic Surgery in Urology

Urological diseases are among the primary areas where robotic surgery is most commonly and successfully used. Particularly in robotic prostate surgery, it minimizes the risks of urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction by preserving nerves during prostate cancer treatment. In addition, successful results are achieved with the Da Vinci technique in conditions such as kidney, bladder, and testicular cancers, benign prostatic hyperplasia, adrenal gland tumors, urinary incontinence problems, and ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. In kidney tumor surgeries, healthy kidney tissue is preserved while cancer control is maintained at the highest level.

Robotic Surgery in Gynecological Diseases

Gynecological robotic surgery operations performed by our obstetrics and gynecology specialists allow women to quickly regain their quality of life. The comfort of minimally invasive surgery is offered in oncological cases such as uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers, as well as in procedures like uterus removal (hysterectomy), urinary incontinence surgery, uterine prolapse treatment, fibroid removal (myomectomy), endometriosis (chocolate cyst) surgery, and ovarian cyst removal.

Robotic Surgery in General Surgery and Bariatric Surgery

Robotic methods are frequently preferred in general surgery practice, especially in bariatric (obesity) surgery. Procedures such as Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, and Revisional Surgery (correcting previously unsuccessful surgeries) can be safely performed using the robotic method. In some patients, the procedure can even be performed through a single hole without creating multiple incisions. However, if there are special conditions caused by obesity or adhesions due to previous operations, our physicians determine the most appropriate method according to the patient's condition.

Robotic Surgery in Thoracic Surgery

Robotic surgery provides great convenience in narrow and complex areas like the chest cavity. It is used in the treatment of benign or malignant masses, cysts, and fibroids occurring in the area between the two lungs (mediastinum), the lungs, and the esophagus. The Da Vinci system is also preferred in the surgical treatment of diaphragmatic hernias and various lung lesions.

Robotic Surgery in Cardiovascular Surgery

Opening the chest cavity in heart surgeries is a challenging process for patients. In robotic surgery, the operation is performed by entering between the ribs without opening the chest cavity. Extremely precise interventions are made in coronary artery bypass surgery, congenital heart surgeries, arrhythmia surgery, heart valve surgeries, heart hole repairs, and the removal of intracardiac tumors, thanks to the three-dimensional, magnifiable, and clear vision provided by the robotic system.

Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Urology

Robotic technology is safely used in urology surgeries performed appropriately for the delicate anatomies of babies and children. It ensures much faster recovery for children in conditions such as kidney removal (nephrectomy), UPJ obstruction treatment, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) surgery, adrenal gland surgeries, double kidney anomalies, and neurogenic bladder.

Diagnostic Methods and Preoperative Preparation

Before a decision is made for robotic surgery, our patients undergo a detailed evaluation process. The preoperative preparation process is meticulously carried out to determine the suitability of the patient's general health condition for the operation.

• Clinical Evaluation: Your medical history is listened to, and a physical examination is performed by our relevant branch physician.
• Imaging and Laboratory Tests: Advanced imaging methods such as ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, and blood tests are requested to determine the extent and exact location of the disease.
• Anesthesia Consultation: Since the surgery will be performed under general anesthesia, our anesthesiologists conduct a detailed review to create the safest anesthesia plan for you.
• Information: Your physician will inform you in detail about how the surgery will be performed, potential risks, and the recovery process. Your hospitalization process is planned.

Treatment Methods: Surgery and Postoperative Recovery Process

On the day of surgery, our patients are taken to our specially prepared robotic surgery operating rooms. During the procedure, the surgeon manages the robotic arms from the console, while our expert team monitors the process at the patient's bedside. The postoperative recovery and follow-up process includes the following steps:

• Waking Up and Observation: After the surgery is completed, you are taken to the recovery room and closely monitored until your vital signs are stable.
• Transfer to the Ward and Early Mobilization: Shortly after being taken to your room, you are encouraged to stand up and walk accompanied by our nurses as part of our accelerated recovery protocols. This is a critical step to stimulate bowel movements and prevent the risk of blood clots.
• Pain Management: Since the incision areas are very small, pain is minimal. When needed, complete comfort is provided with mild painkillers.
• Discharge: Many of our patients can be discharged and return home within 1 to 3 days, depending on the type of surgery.
• Control and Follow-up: Upon discharge, you will be informed about wound care, diet, and bathing. You will attend your follow-up examinations by visiting our outpatient clinic on the scheduled dates.

Technology and Team: Why BHT CLINIC?

At BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hospital, we provide services at international standards in robotic surgery applications. Thanks to the three-dimensional, high-resolution imaging offered by the Da Vinci robotic surgery system and the 540-degree rotating robotic arms that exceed the mobility of the human hand, we perform even the most complex surgeries with great safety.

We combine the power of technology with the experience of our expert surgeons who have performed thousands of successful operations. Our urology, general surgery, gynecology, cardiovascular surgery, and thoracic surgery specialists come together in multidisciplinary councils to create the most accurate and personalized treatment plan for each patient. Patient safety, comfort, and medical ethical rules are our hospital's core priorities.

When Should You Apply?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition requiring surgical intervention, you can apply to our department to evaluate robotic surgery options. It is especially important to get a second opinion for patients scheduled for cancer surgery, those considering bariatric surgery, individuals who need heart surgery but do not want their chest cavity opened, or those carrying a risk of recurrence due to previous surgeries. If you are concerned about the risks of traditional open surgeries and desire a more comfortable recovery process, you can consult our experts to get information about minimally invasive surgical methods.

Appointment and Examination Process

It is very easy to book an appointment to get detailed information about robotic surgery, find out if it is suitable for your condition, and consult with our specialist physicians. Bringing your previous laboratory results, X-rays, MRIs, or pathology reports, if any, when you come for the examination will help the process move faster.

You can take action immediately to regain your health with reliable and modern methods. You can click here to book your online appointment or reach us 24/7 via our call center at 0850 811 34 00.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I be discharged after robotic surgery?

Although the discharge time varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the patient's general health condition, patients are generally discharged from the hospital within 1 to 3 days in robotic surgery. This period is much shorter compared to open surgeries.

Is Da Vinci surgery safe?

Yes, the Da Vinci robotic surgery system is extremely safe. The system does not move on its own; all movements are completely under the control of the specialist surgeon. The robotic arms filter the surgeon's hand tremors, offering a much more precise and safer intervention.

Who is not suitable for robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery may not be applied to patients for whom receiving general anesthesia is medically contraindicated, those with severe bleeding disorders, or some patients with severe adhesions due to numerous previous abdominal surgeries. Your physician will decide whether this method is suitable for you after a detailed examination.

Does a robot perform the robotic surgery operations?

No, the robot does not perform the surgery. The robotic system is an advanced tool that transmits the surgeon's commands to the fine instruments in the patient's body. Every stage of the surgery is personally performed by the expert surgeon at the console.

Will I experience urinary incontinence after robotic prostate surgery?

In robotic prostate cancer surgeries, the muscles that maintain urinary control and the nerves that regulate sexual function are preserved much better thanks to the high-resolution 3D vision and precise arms. Therefore, the risk of urinary incontinence is quite low compared to open surgeries, and patients return to their normal functions more quickly.