Robotic Urology Surgery

What is robotic-assisted surgery?

The Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery System is an innovative surgical platform that enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision, control and visualisation.

During surgery, your surgeon remains in complete control at all times, operating the robotic instruments from a console within the operating theatre. The robotic system does not perform the surgery independently; it translates your surgeon’s hand movements into highly precise movements of specialised surgical instruments.

Benefits of robotic-assisted urology surgery

For suitable patients, robotic-assisted surgery may offer several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:

• Smaller incisions
• Less blood loss
• Reduced post-operative pain
• Lower risk of complications
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery and return to everyday activities
• Enhanced surgical precision

Your surgeon will discuss whether robotic-assisted surgery is the most appropriate option for your individual condition.

Conditions treated

Robotic-assisted surgery may be suitable for a range of urological procedures, including:

• Prostate surgery
• Kidney surgery
• Bladder surgery
• Other complex urological procedures

Your specialist will recommend the most appropriate surgical approach based on your diagnosis and treatment needs.

About Prostate Cancer

In New Zealand, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It is common to start experiencing changes with your prostate as you get older. Most problems are caused by an enlargement of the prostate, but some problems may be caused by cancer.

A first sign of a prostate problem is trouble passing urine. If you have any concerns it is recommended you consult with your GP as you may need your prostate checked.

Screening and early detection of prostate cancer

Early detection of prostate cancer is important as this cancer is most treatable when detected while contained within the prostate gland. In New Zealand, regular prostate checks are important for men who are over the age of 40 if there is a history of prostate cancer or are older than 50, but younger than 70.

How is prostate cancer detected?

There is no single test to detect prostate cancer. The two most common tests are the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal examination (DRE).

The PSA test measures the level of PSA in your blood. It does not specifically test for cancer. Virtually all PSA is produced by the prostate gland. The normal range depends on your age. A raised PSA can show that your risk of having prostate cancer is higher than it would be for a person with a normal PSA. However, two-thirds of cases of elevated PSA are due to noncancerous conditions such as prostatitis and BPH.

A DRE is generally conducted by your GP or a urologist to feel the prostate. While DRE is no longer recommended as a routine test for men who do not have symptoms of prostate cancer, it may be used to check for any changes in the prostate before doing a biopsy.

If either of these tests suggest an abnormality, other tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer, usually a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy. A biopsy is the most comment way to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

If you have recently received a prostate cancer diagnosis, you and your specialist can decide on the course of action that makes sense to you based on your individual factors.

One of the courses of actions that may be discussed is surgery. Your surgeon may use the Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery System technology to remove your prostate gland via minimal surgical techniques.

About Prostate Cancer

In New Zealand, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It is common to start experiencing changes with your prostate as you get older. Most problems are caused by an enlargement of the prostate, but some problems may be caused by cancer.

A first sign of a prostate problem is trouble passing urine. If you have any concerns it is recommended you consult with your GP as you may need your prostate checked.

Why choose Royston Hospital?

Royston Hospital combines experienced specialist surgeons with leading surgical technology to deliver high-quality patient care.

As the first hospital in Hawke’s Bay to introduce the Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery System, we’re committed to investing in innovation that supports improved patient outcomes and expands access to advanced surgical care within our region.

Find out more

If you’re considering urological surgery, speak with your GP or specialist about whether robotic-assisted surgery may be suitable for you.