Urology of Indiana’s Urologic Surgeons continue to remain on the cutting edge of urologic robotic surgery. Robert Batler, MD and Jason Sprunger, MD recently performed two single-port retroperitoneal partial nephrectomies (removal of one or both kidneys) using the da Vinci robotic system. “These procedures were done through a two-inch incision, which enabled us to stay out of the abdominal cavity. This single-port (point of entry) approach is less invasive, greatly accelerates patient recovery and reduces the need for pain medications. It also provides enhanced vision and ergonomics for the surgeon,” says Dr. Batler.
He added that patients often remain out of the hospital, go home the day of their surgery and return to their normal activities sooner than traditional abdominal surgery.
Drs. Batler and Sprunger also performed the first urologic surgery in the state of Indiana on the da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic system in 2022. The surgery performed was a pyeloplasty to repair and reconstruct a patient’s kidney. UOI Urologists David Hollensbe, MD and John Scott, MD performed one of the first robotic surgeries in Indiana 22 years ago. They did the very first robotic adrenalectomy (removal of the adrenal glands) using this approach in 2002.
“This is exciting and groundbreaking because the Single Port is the ‘next generation’ of the da Vinci system and has changed the way surgery is performed. There have been several key improvements to the platform that continue to pique our interest. Our urologists are also utilizing this to perform simple prostatectomies,” Dr. Sprunger adds.