Urological Surgery (Minimally Invasive)

Urologic surgeons at the University of Iowa have performed nearly 800 prostatectomy procedures at UI Hospitals & Clinics, exceeding other medical centers in Iowa and the surrounding areas. Our surgeons have performed more than 1000 robotic procedures since 2002.

Considered the gold standard at UI hospitals & Clinics for adult and adolescent ureteropelvic junction obstruction, robotic pyeloplasty was first performed in Iowa at UI Hospitals & Clinics in 2002.

Types of Minimally Invasive Urological Surgeries

• Cystectomy
• Partial nephrectomy

Prostatectomy

A prostatectomy removes the prostate. A robotic prostatectomy is performed using the da Vinci® Surgical System. Six incisions, the length of a dime, are made in the patient’s abdomen. Instruments are inserted through the incisions and the surgeon controls the robotic arms from a console in the operating room.

Potential benefits of using the da Vinci® Surgical Robotics system in prostate surgery include:

• Less postoperative pain
• Less procedural blood loss
• A lower risk of wound infection
• Less scarring
• Shorter hospital stay
• Shorter recovery times
• Greater potential for nerve preservation to maintain erective function
• Greater potential for postoperative urinary continence

Pyeloplasty

A robotic pyeloplasty corrects the malformation of the junction between the ureter and the kidney known as the renal pelvis. This procedure removes and repairs the obstruction, which, if not corrected would cause irreversible damage to the kidneys. UI physicians use the da Vinci® robotic surgical system to provide better outcomes for their patients.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Enhanced dexterity, precision and control for the surgeon
• Less blood loss
• Quicker recovery
• Reduced pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Small incisions, reducing surgical trauma