Installation of telerobotic surgery and initial experience with telerobotic radical prostatectomy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of untrained laparoscopic surgeons to learn and implement laparoscopic telerobotic radical prostatectomy (TRP) using the daVinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, CA), and assess the education, safety and efficacy issues when instituting this system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2003 and October 2004, 122 consecutive TRPs were performed by two surgeons for clinically localized prostate cancer. The individual robotic surgeon was assisted at the bedside by another surgeon. The TRP was performed robotically by the surgeon at the remote console unit. Perioperative data and pathologica results were recorded. The two surgeons spent 1 week in a skills l..