Surgery has come a long way from the use of ether as anesthesia and searing to stop bleeding. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery appears to involve all the latest technology and scientific knowledge available. Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery got its start early in the 20th century. Later when cameras which transmit inner body pictures to a screen outside the body were added surgery became more comfortable for a lot of patients. Now the ability of a machine or robot to perform the surgery has been added to the procedure.

Laparoscopic surgery began as a way for vets and doctors to perform exploratory surgery without making large incisions in their patients. The small incision made it difficult to see within the body. The use of the camera makes it possible to see within the body. Even with these advancements surgery is still a risky business. The carbon monoxide gas used to inflate the body cavity to allow the doctor a better view does not leave the body readily and some pain can be experienced until the gas is absorbed by the body. Initial incisions are "blind" and organs may be torn or punctured. Although the doctor may view the inside of the body on the screen he must be careful to make extremely small and precise movements to avoid injury to the patient.

The robotic element of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery allows for more precise movement and a more stable environment. The robot is a stabilized mechanism which holds the tools required for surgery. The surgeon controls the robot from a comfortable vantage point permitting more controlled movements and better viewing ability. Since all viewing and monitoring equipment is stabilized the surgeon is given a clearer and more perfect view of what is taking place inside of the body.

Radical prostatectomy has been used by itself as means to treat prostate cancer when the tumor is small and contained within the prostate. The procedure involves completely removing the prostate. This can cause nerve damage. It has been suggested that laparoscopic radical prostatectomy may prove to obtain better results than the traditional form of the surgery.

Since this type of surgery is done "from afar" surgeons must complete extensive training beyond normal surgical training. Imagine dropping a small object into a crevice which completely blocks your view. Now a friend demonstrates how you can see and recover this object by using a specially formed mirror and grasping device. In your mind's eye retrieve your object. All of your movements will be foreign to you, and the task practically impossible. This special type of surgery has opened up fields for highly trained specialists. It has been suggested that it may take upwards of 60 surgeries before a doctor will begin to become comfortable with the procedure and 250 surgeries before he becomes an expert.

The advancements in modern technology are astounding. Surgery no longer requires large incisions and extended sedation. Instead we look forward to the expanded use of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Patients often return home in the evening on the same day if the surgery is performed early enough in the morning. Prescription painkillers are often unnecessary. Patients still need to rest and should not overexert themselves. Caring for the body is still a major part of any surgery. However, languishing in bed for days on end because of a surgical procedure may soon be a thing of the past.

There is a long learning curve for the robotic procedure. It is estimated that about 60 cases need to be performed by a surgeon to be comfortable with the procedure and about 250 cases to be an expert.