Robotic lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to break or remove stones that develop in the kidney or urinary tract using advanced robotic technology. This approach is typically less invasive than traditional methods and can offer faster recovery times, helping to reduce patient pain and the risk of complications. The procedure is performed by a specialized surgeon and is tailored based on the size and location of the stone, as well as the patient's overall condition.
What is the Method of Robotic Stone Crushing Surgery?
Robotic stone crushing surgery is a technique used to break and remove kidney stones with high precision. In this procedure, robotic surgical systems allow for controlled, targeted intervention. The size and location of the stone are identified using preoperative imaging, and the robotic system is calibrated accordingly. During the surgery, specialized instruments controlled by the robotic system break and extract the stones. This minimally invasive approach can shorten recovery time and lower the risk of complications. Note that this procedure is distinct from the Da Vinci surgical system, which is a versatile robotic platform used across various surgical specialties.
Advantages of Robotic Stone Crushing Surgery
Robotic stone crushing surgery is a minimally invasive procedure for treating kidney stones. In this technique, a robotic arm uses lasers or sound waves to break apart stones in the kidney. Compared to traditional surgery, this method offers several advantages, including greater precision and reduced recovery time.
The key benefits of robotic stone crushing surgery include:
Less invasive: This procedure uses smaller incisions and provides greater precision, resulting in a faster recovery and a lower risk of complications for the patient.
Less bleeding: Greater precision allows for targeted stone removal, significantly reducing the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.
Less pain: Because the procedure is minimally invasive, patients typically experience less pain during recovery.
Shorter hospital stay: It usually provides a faster recovery process, which can shorten patients' hospital stay.
Better imaging: High-resolution imaging technology provides surgeons with a clearer view of the stone’s position, enabling more accurate and effective treatment.
What is the Process of Robotic Stone Crushing Surgery?
Robotic stone crushing surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Four small incisions are made in the patient's back to insert the robotic arms. These arms use lasers or sound waves to break up the kidney stones. Once crushed, the stone fragments are expelled naturally through the urine.
The main stages of robotic stone crushing surgery are:
Patient preparation: The patient's overall health is assessed, including kidney function and screening for urinary tract infections.
Anesthesia: The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia, ensuring the patient is fully asleep and does not experience any pain during the surgery.
Opening the incisions: Four small incisions are made in the patient’s back, allowing the insertion of the robotic arms for the procedure.
Visualization of the stones: The robotic arms are equipped with a camera, providing a clear view of the stones inside the kidney.
Breaking the stones: The robotic arms use lasers or sound waves to precisely break kidney stones into smaller fragments.
Termination of the surgery: The robotic arms are withdrawn and the small incisions are carefully sutured closed.
After surgery, the patient is usually discharged the same day. After surgery, the patient may need to take pain medication.
The Recovery Process of Robotic Stone Crushing Surgery
The recovery process following robotic stone crushing surgery depends on factors such as the patient’s health, the surgery’s complexity, and the size of the stone. Generally, this minimally invasive approach leads to a faster recovery, allowing patients to return to their usual activities within a short period. Most experience minimal pain or discomfort. However, the specific recovery timeline and care instructions should always be provided by your surgeon based on your individual condition.
Are There Alternatives to Robotic Stone Crushing Surgery?
There are several common alternatives to robotic stone crushing surgery for treating kidney stones, including:
Stone crushing with shock waves from outside the body (ESWL): This non-invasive method uses shock waves delivered externally to break kidney stones into small pieces. ESWL is most commonly recommended for kidney stones smaller than 2 cm.
Ureteroscopic stone crushing (URS) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible camera and specialized instruments into the urinary tract through the urethra. This technique allows the surgeon to locate and break up or remove stones from the ureter or kidney. URS is typically recommended for kidney or ureter stones smaller than 2 centimeters in size and is especially effective for treating stones within the ureter. The procedure offers a targeted approach with a faster recovery compared to open surgery.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove kidney stones that are larger than 2 centimeters in size. During PCNL, a small incision is made in the patient's back to access the kidney directly. Through this incision, a thin tube and specialized instruments are inserted to locate, break apart, and remove the stones. This approach is especially effective for larger or more complex kidney stones and typically offers a shorter recovery time and less discomfort compared to traditional open surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients commonly have questions about robotic stone crushing surgery, including how long it takes to heal, what level of pain to expect, how effective the procedure is, and how long they may need to stay in the hospital. Many also want information about possible risks, complications, and what to expect after the surgery.
Is Robotic Stone Crushing Surgery Painful?
Because robotic stone crushing surgery is minimally invasive, most patients experience only mild pain or discomfort after the procedure. However, pain levels can vary depending on each individual’s unique response to surgery and overall health.
How soon can I return to normal activities after surgery?
The time it takes to return to normal activities after surgery varies for each person and often depends on how complex the surgery was and how quickly the patient recovers. Many people are able to resume their usual routines within a short period. Always follow your surgeon’s advice for safe recovery.
Who are suitable candidates for robotic stone crushing surgery?
Robotic stone crushing surgery may be recommended for patients who have kidney or urinary tract stones that have not responded to other standard treatments or are not suitable for those approaches. Whether this procedure is appropriate depends on factors such as the patient’s overall health, and the size and location of the stone. Your doctor will help determine the best treatment option based on your individual needs.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .