Robotic Surgery Program

UNM Hospital is pleased to announce start of its Robotic Surgery Program.  Surgeons at UNM, led by Dr. Satyan Shah, Director of Robotic Surgery, now offer patients with prostate cancer and other conditions minimally-invasive procedure using the Da Vinci surgical system.

This state-of-the-art surgical robot, the only one of its kind in the state of New Mexico, utilizes advanced instruments and a miniature camera that provides a High-Definition, 3-Dimensional view inside the body. Robotic surgery delivers precision not possible during traditional surgery or even conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Surgeons begin the procedure making several miniature incisions in the abdomen.  In the case of robotic prostatectomy, 5-6 "keyhole" incisions are made through which the instruments and camera are passed.  Movements of the surgeon's hands are precisely translated by the machine and direct the robotic arms.  In contrast to traditional laparoscopic surgery, the robotic arms are capable of movements similar to the human wrist, giving the surgeon more dexterity.  When the surgery is finished, the prostate (or other specimen) is placed into a bag and removed from one of the incision sites.

Why choose robotic surgery? Patient benefits may include faster recovery, better cosmetic result, reduced blood loss, less pain, less scarring, and shorter hospital stay.  In the case of robotic prostatectomy, this technology allows for preservation of nerves and muscular structures important for erectile function (potency) and urinary control (continence).  Benefits such as these have made robotic prostatectomy the #1 treatment for localized prostate cancer.

UNM Hospital is proud to be the only hospital in the state of New Mexico to offer Robotic surgical technology.  Please call (505)272-2839 to arrange a consultation with one of our robotic surgeons.