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Being able to perform virtually any urologic surgery with just one incision \u2013 and a much smaller one than with other techniques \u2013 is a key benefit of \u201cSingle Port\u201d surgeries being performed at UNC.<\/p>\n
Like a scene in a futuristic movie, the process begins with 4 robotic surgical arms that are folded together in a tight bundle so they can enter the patient with a very small, 2.5 cm incision. Once inside the patient, the arms separate and can each be manipulated independently to perform any task needed by a specially trained urologic surgeon sitting at a robotic console nearby in the operating room. The surgeon sees what\u2019s happening via a camera attached to one of the arms. <\/p>\n
When the surgeon moves their hands or wrists while performing a procedure, the specially designed robotic surgical arms perfectly mimic the same movements within the patient, offering an exceptionally high level of precision as well as access. <\/p>\n
Instead of two hands, the surgeon in essence has four, according to a leading urologist specializing in the advanced technique; Marc Bjurlin, DO<\/a>, Associate Professor of Urology at UNC. He received specialized training in order to perform the procedure and additional training that certifies him to teach other UNC urologists. <\/p>\n \u201cWe only need to make a single incision instead of multiple incisions, which typically translates into less post operative pain, and the patient being able to leave the hospital sooner,\u201d says Dr. Bjurlin. <\/p>\n