Da Vinci laparoscope

Leading Russian laparoscopic surgeon Konstantin Puchkov performed a demonstration operation to remove a kidney with a malignant tumor for doctors in the Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions. The operation is unique in that it was performed without traditional surgical intervention. Laparoscopic surgery is a major step forward in Russian medicine. The doctor is now able to perform an operation inside the abdominal cavity without a scalpel. Thus, the patient recovers faster and can go home the day after surgery. The laparoscopy method is used in Yekaterinburg in the first regional and fortieth city hospitals. But such, in medical terms, minimally invasive operations are not yet performed in large numbers. To increase their number, leading Russian laparoscopic surgeon and winner of the 2006 Golden Laparoscope award Konstantin Puchkov came to the Urals to exchange experience. The patient had a malignant tumor in her left kidney. Using the latest technology, surgeons performed all necessary procedures inside the abdominal cavity through four tiny incisions and removed the kidney. In a conventional surgical procedure, the incision length would have been 20–25 centimeters. The entire operation was broadcast on a screen, and surgeons from the Middle and Southern Urals observed Konstantin Puchkov's actions. "We were shown a brilliant surgical technique, the use of equipment that ensures hemostasis (stopping bleeding) of the vessels, which was previously done only by bandaging. This significantly reduces the time of the operation," says Igor Bazhenov, head of the fourth urology department at City Clinical Hospital No. 1. "We understand that to achieve the same professional level, our surgeons must work and work in the operating room every day." The laparoscopy “guru” himself was pleased: “I have known about the medicine in the Sverdlovsk region for a long time: there are good doctors, a solid material and technical base, and constant support from the authorities,” says Konstantin Puchkov. “You are mastering all the world’s techniques here, but there are still gaps. Today we will try to exchange our existing experience. We will help each other fill these gaps.” Specialists say that there are practically no boundaries for performing operations using laparoscopy. What was previously done only with massive surgical intervention can now be performed through a small incision using catheters. And this is not only urology, but also cardiology, gynecology and other areas of medicine. The doctors shared another joy. It turns out that the Sverdlovsk region was the first in Russia to purchase a unique American system - the Da Vinci Robot. According to specialists, this is the next step in the development of surgery after laparoscopy. Using this device, the doctor can perform an operation while being away from the patient. "The surgeon, using the robot's hands, performs the most complex manipulations," explains Konstantin Puchkov. "This offers the widest range of operations, and the highest quality. I trained on such a system last year in America. And I've already promised to help my colleagues in the Urals." The Da Vinci robot will be delivered to the First Regional Clinical Hospital in a week. The doctors intend to hold a separate presentation.