Robotic Surgery

The da Vinci® Surgical System, offered at Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center, comprises a surgeon’s console and robotic equipment, including a high-resolution camera and micro-instruments. With robotic surgery every surgical maneuver is performed by the surgeon who directs the three robotic arms that hold the instruments while using a videoscope to view the interior of the body. The computer-enhanced da Vinci Surgical System enables precision that goes beyond natural human capability. Robotic surgery offers many advantages over traditional surgery, including:

• Decreased risk of infection
• Less scarring, blood loss and pain
• Quicker recovery time
• Shorter hospital stay

Carol G. Simon Cancer Center offers minimally invasive robotic surgery to treat many types of cancers and tumors, including:

Adrenal tumors

Adrenal tumors are usually small enough to be removed using manual laparoscopic methods. However, like patients with kidney tumors, certain adrenal tumors have physical features which may accommodate the use of robotic surgery tools, eliminating the need for large, open incisions. Learn more >

Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer sometimes necessitates removal of the bladder. Robotic surgery may be used to both remove the organ and reconstruct a system for urinary diversion.
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Gynecologic cancers

Robotic surgery is an ideal treatment option for most patients with endometrial cancer, endometrial pre-cancers, cervical cancer and early ovarian cancers. Learn more >

Kidney cancer

Some small kidney tumors may be resected, but this procedure often requires delicate kidney reconstruction that can best be performed using the da Vinci® Surgical System. Larger kidney tumors of intermediate size or in a particular location mandate total kidney removal, which is usually done through manual laparoscopy, though robotic surgery may also be an option. Learn more >

Prostate cancer

One option for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is removal of the entire prostate, also known as radical prostatectomy. Using traditional surgical methods, this procedure can be challenging because the prostate gland is located in an area of the pelvis that is difficult to reach, and the urinary tract must afterwards be reconstructed. Learn more >

Robotic surgery is now the most common method for removing a cancerous prostate gland. It allows for better urinary tract reconstruction, which limits the likelihood and duration of postoperative complications, such as incontinence. In addition, high-definition cameras used with the da Vinci Surgical System enable surgeons to better see and preserve delicate nerves, thereby limiting postoperative erectile dysfunction.