What the robotic approach does and does not change, in plain language, with links to the primary literature collated on the references page.
First robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in New South Wales, performed at St Vincent's.1
First robot-assisted adrenalectomy in Australia.
First robot-assisted nephrectomy for kidney cancer in Australia.1
First four-arm robot-assisted pyeloplasty for reconstruction of the renal pelvis.6
Group-level evidence from randomised and large observational series, summarised in one place.
Consistently lower with robotic (and laparoscopic) access than with equivalent open surgery, driven largely by pneumoperitoneum and magnified vision.4,5
Shorter for most robotic operations compared with open equivalents. Cystectomy is the main exception - overall length of stay is similar to open.
Faster return to desk-based work and to normal exercise in most robotic procedures, consistent across large observational series.
Comparable to equivalent open surgery for the operations where direct comparisons have been made - prostate, kidney, adrenal and bladder.4,7
Continence and erectile function after prostatectomy are at least comparable to open surgery and improved in some series. Warm ischaemia time in partial nephrectomy is favourably low in experienced robotic hands.
Case volume is the dominant determinant of outcome. For robotic prostatectomy, published literature suggests plateau at > 200 cases per surgeon.5
The references page lists the specific studies cited across procedure and condition pages; each numbered anchor can be linked directly.
You can request a second opinion on imaging, staging and treatment options before you decide. General information only; not individual medical advice.