What
is the da Vinci method? da Vinci derives
its name from Leonardo da Vinci because he
invented the first robot. It is a method of
performing minimally invasive surgery using
a state-of-the-art robotic platform. It enables
the surgeon to perform even the most complicated
and delicate procedure through a very small
incision with incomparable accuracy.
Benefits of the
da Vinci method:
Significantly less
pain
Less blood loss
Less scarring
Shorter recovery time
A faster return to
normal daily activities
How does it work? With
the da Vinci method, small incisions are used
to introduce miniaturized instruments and a
high definition three dimensional camera. The
surgeon is seated at the da Vinci console which
is located just a few feet from the actual
patient and views a magnified, high-resolution
3D image of the surgical site. Using state-of-the-art
robotic and computer technologies, the surgeon’s
hand movements are filtered and translated
into precise micro-movements of the da Vinci
instruments. It is important to know that surgery
with the da Vinci method does not place
a robot in control of the procedure. On the
contrary, the surgeon is controlling every
aspect of the surgery with the assistance of
the da Vinci robotic platform.
Is it safe? The
da Vinci method has been used successfully
in tens of thousands of procedures worldwide.
During this procedure, the patient is under
the care of at least two medical professionals – a
surgeon and at least one assistant, just as
with traditional surgery. Tremor reduction
minimizes unintended movement, which means
that da Vinci instruments can move even more
precisely than the human hand. Additionally,
the da Vinci system performs millions of safety
self-checks during the operation.
Is it covered
by health insurance? The da Vinci
method is classified as a robot-assisted,
minimally invasive surgery and is covered
by many insurances (including Medicare).
As always, however, specific coverage will
depend on the specific insurance company,
plan and benefits, and should be verified
with a plan administrator prior to surgery.
da Vinci Urologic
Procedures:
Adrenalectomy – removal
of one or both
adrenal glands
(endocrine glands
located above
each kidney)
Cystectomy – removal
of all or part
of the bladder
Partial
Nephrectomy – removal
of part of the kidney
Radical
Nephrectomy – removal
of all of the kidney
Pyeloplasty – removal
of blockage in the urinary
system
Radical
Prostatectomy – removal
of the prostate
Nephroureterectomy
(with bladder cuff excision) – removal
of kidney and its ureter
Who from USON
does those surgeries? At Urology
Specialists of Nevada, Drs. Kassahun, McBeath,
Leo and Hwang utilize the da Vinci method
of surgery in their practice. Dr Kassahun,
who has been with Urology Specialists of
Nevada since 2004, is the group’s lead
da Vinci surgeon and performed the very first
surgery at Summerlin Hospital and Medical
Center using the da Vinci method when the
technology was introduced in September 2008.
If you are considering
a urologic surgical procedure using the da
Vinci method, please consider the physicians
at Urology Specialists of Nevada. For an appointment
to meet Dr. Kassahun, Dr. McBeath, Dr. Leo
or Dr. Hwang and further discuss your surgical
options and possibilities, please contact the
appointment scheduling department of Urology
Specialists of Nevada at (702) 877-0814.
Benefits of the
da Vinci method: