This past week I performed a right robotic kidney removal for suspected kidney cancer. My patient also had gallbladder problems and needed to have her gallbladder removed. Dr. Kopelan performed a robotic cholecystectomy under the same setting with the same positioning.
This was the first time I used the DaVinci S to perform kidney surgery and it was a pleasure. Although the patient had a large liver which made the operation a little more difficult, the kidney removal took about an hour. We moved the robotic instruments around to do the gallbladder part and had an easy time setting up the robot in the new position.
I was very impressed with the range of motion with the S. I was easily able to reach above the liver and all the way down to the appendix. I have another kidney removal next week with the S, which will be on the left side and a partial nephrectomy the following week as well.
I am very satisfied with the improvements in the S as far as range of motion without needing to manipulate the robotics arms and the ability to place the ports in many more areas.