UT Southwestern first in North Texas to use dual-console DaVinci Surgical System

Physicians at UT Southwestern Medical Center are the first in North Texas to use the newest generation surgical robot, the dual-console DaVinci Surgical System, enabling them to perform minimally invasive surgeries with even greater precision.

In May, UT Southwestern achieved another milestone by becoming the first hospital in North Texas to complete a robotic single-incision pyeloplasty - a surgical reconstruction of a portion of the kidney that helps drain urine and decompress the organ - using the DaVinci System.

"We are the largest provider of urologic oncology cases in North Texas," said Dr. Claus Roehrborn, chairman of urology. "The availability of the new state-of-the-art robot further increases our expertise by improving the outcomes of surgeries performed here and enables us to do more groundbreaking, single-incision surgeries."

Dr. Jeffrey Cadeddu, professor of urology and radiology, performed the pyeloplasty. Three years ago, he and his team were the first in the world to remove a patient's kidney through the belly button.

"The new DaVinci System facilitates the single-umbilical laparascopic approach to kidney surgery," said Dr. Cadeddu. "This approach offers patients a cosmetic advantage and a faster recovery time."

Since acquiring its first DaVinci robot in 2006, UT Southwestern has been at the forefront of robotic surgery, performing complex urologic, thoracic and bariatric procedures. In addition to the dual-console robot, UT Southwestern also has purchased a newer version of a single-console robot in use at UT Southwestern University Hospital - St. Paul. With the addition of these robots, physicians can offer an even wider array of procedures, including gynecological surgery for benign and cancerous conditions, head and neck surgeries, and colorectal procedures.

The dual-console feature of the new robot allows two physicians to see the same surgery on a screen, easing consultation and collaboration during the procedure. The system itself expands the surgeon's capabilities, allowing for finer manipulation and enhancing the field of movement within a small incision area.

Other new features include the option of importing directly into the viewing monitor crucial imaging studies to assist the surgeon in performing the procedure.

Since 2006, Dr. Roehrborn has performed more than 550 robotic prostatectomies in addition to dozens of other urologic procedures. His team has performed many more surgeries, including pelvic-floor procedures and bladder surgeries to correct incontinence.

"We are extremely proud of our program's success," Dr. Roehrborn said. "These are the newest and most innovative robots on the market, and our expertise in using them will further increase our reputation as a leader in robotic surgery, both regionally and nationally."