ROBOTIC SURGERY

Robotic-assisted surgery is enabling surgeons to perform complex minimally invasive surgery with more precision, offering patients improved outcomes. Robotic and laparoscopic surgery is an attractive option for patients because it offers:

  • Reduced length of hospital stay and expedited healing

  • Less postoperative pain and less need for pain medication

  • Quicker return to normal activity and work

  • Smaller incisions and diminished scarring

A/Prof Zargar performs a wide range of robotic surgical procedures including:

 

Robotic Prostatectomy

This method of surgery has become the preferred surgical approach for men with clinically significant, localised prostate cancer. The 3D magnified view, precise, wristed movements provided by the robotic platform allow for preservation of the continence mechanism as well as the nerves for erectile function thus maintaining excellent quality of life after surgery. With minimal pain after the procedure, patients are generally able to return home the day after the surgery.

The robotic approach alone per se does not guarantee success with regard to cancer control or functional outcomes. In fact all the published studies have demonstrated that in trained experienced hands excellent outcomes can be achieved regardless of the modality of surgery. With extensive international training and high volume experience, Dr. Zargar will discuss the best surgical options with you and will assist you in deciding the best method of care for your prostate cancer.

 

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Kidney tumours are often diagnosed incidentally and are often small at the time of diagnosis. Removing the tumor alone instead of the entire kidney when technically feasible allows for preservation of kidney function. Robotic partial nephrectomy is a great method for treating small renal tumors and some selected larger tumors. As well as safely removing the mass and preserving kidney the benefits of minimally invasive approach will mean reduction in pain, faster recovery and earlier return to normal function for the patients. Dr. Zargar was trained for this procedure at the Cleveland Clinic, which is one of the world’s leading institutions for this technique. As well as the technical expertise Dr. Zargar is an expert in the filed of renal preserving surgery with over 50 publications in the peer reviewed journals on this topic. Read more about this procedure here.

 

Robotic Radical Cystectomy and Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion

Robotic cystectomy for bladder cancer is a technically complex procedure encompassing removal of the urinary bladder and the adjacent organs (prostate in men, uterus/cervix in women). This is followed by removal of the lymph nodes where cancer cells can spread to, and finally the formation of new path for urine excretion, called urinary diversion. This can be in a bag on the abdominal wall (ileal conduit) or a new reservoir made from intestine (Neobladder).

The treatment of patients with bladder cancer is not only about the surgery; it involves the appropriate use of upfront chemotherapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy), nutritional assessment, and modified peri-operative care as part of our enhanced recovery pathway in the framework of the multi-disciplinary team. Dr. Zargar has extensive experience in all aspects of care for patients with bladder cancer and will provide you with ample information about the best care pathway.

 

How can we help you further? Please feel welcome to contact Dr Zargar's office on 1300 ZARGAR or submit an online enquiry.