Medical specialisations _

Cutting-edge surgery
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At La Source, the robot is limited to operations involving urology, visceral surgery, gynaecology and ENT surgery.

Visceral surgery

In visceral surgery, the laparoscopy makes it possible to operate without (or with very little) trauma to the wall and viscera. This considerably reduces post-operative lack of well-being. 
Tri-dimensional vision, which is more accurate and more natural, the flexibility and mobility of instruments and the filtration (or absorption) of involuntary shaking increases the safety of the operatory actions of da Vinci interventions. This allows for precise movements, such as dissections of fragile organs; the preservation of certain important and sensitive elements such as the nerves; and finally, fine, complicated sutures. 

In visceral surgery, during certain resections of the colon, the nerve endings that go to the uro-genital organs can be found and respected with greater ease. Complex digestive anastomoses (sutures), during operations for obesity (such as a gastric bypass), colonic interventions, and biliary and pancreatic derivations are therefore better quality. In addition the risks of serious post-operative complications are reduced.

 
Gynaecology

A great many benign – non-cancerous – pathologies can affect feminine reproductive organs to the point that removal of the uterus (a hysterectomy) is recommended. 
Doctors often recommend a hysterectomy when no drug treatment or change in lifestyle results in a cure and does not alleviate symptoms. 

Currently, many women manage to avoid the large incision and four to six week convalescence that goes with a conventional open surgery hysterectomy by opting for mini-invasive surgery. The da Vinci robot allows an optimal three dimensional view, a higher level of precision, an ergonomic position and image stability. In addition, this system facilitates accessibility and dissection. 

Aside from hysterectomy, the da Vinci can also be used for the following purposes:

  • Removal of intra-uterine fibroids (myomectomies)
  • Treating endometriosis (a gynaecological affliction provoked by the presence of intra-uterine mucose fragments which form outside their usual localisation)
  • Infertility surgery
  • Certain operations for cancers
  • Promontofixation (treatment of genital prolapse)
 
ENT

The da Vinci surgical robot is used in ENT surgery for treating certain cancers of the oropharynx and the supraglottis. 

Thanks to highly mobile miniature instruments and the high definition image quality provided by the da Vinci, the surgeon can remove a tumour through the mouth. 

In addition, the suture ability allowed by the dexterity of the instruments enables reconstruction processes that were hitherto impossible. 

The robotic surgery is an unquestionable advance for patients in the treatment of tumours of the pharynx and larynx. While previously it was necessary to open the throat to reach a tumour located in the pharynx or larynx – in other words – in the throat – the robot now makes it possible to reach it through the mouth relatively easily. This removes the need to conduct a tracheotomy on the patient.

 
Urology

This speciality involves the urinary tracts (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) as well as the male reproductive system. Amongst the various pathologies, cancer of the prostate, which affects one out of every six men, is at the top of the list. In Switzerland, this cancer is the most common in men and has the second highest mortality rate after lung cancer.

While the advantages of robotic surgery are obvious for most urology laparoscopies, it is mostly used to remove the prostate (radical prostatectomy). Radical prostatectomy is one of the options for treating localised cancer of the prostate. 

The da Vinci guarantees great precision of gesture in dissection. It makes it possible to preserve the neurovascular structures and facilitates the recovery of urinary continuity with tiny and precise sutures. 

Robotic surgery can also be used for other urological interventions such as the removal of renal tumours and reconstructive surgery of the urinary tracts.