Kyoto University Robotics Lecture

Dr. Jeffrey Stern spoke at Kyoto University on July 14th-15th, 2006 at an conference titled "Surgical Robotics and the Robotic Protastecomy. The event was hosted by Professor Osamu Ogawa, Chairman of Kyoto University’s Dcepartment of Urology. Dr. Stern lectured about the history of robotics and the current state of robotic surgery.

Robotics in urology, Stern explained, essentially uses a computer as an interface between the surgeon and the patient in the operating room. "Over the last several years, the world has seen an explosive growth of the use of robotics in surgery – but the best is yet to come." says Stern. "Over the next 10 years we will see exponential technological advances in robotic surgery which will benefit patients in ways we never imagined."

Dr. Stern summarized the recent data on robotic prostatectomy, and concluded to the attending residents and faculty that the robotic operation is superior to traditional open surgery, with regards to decreased stay in the hospital after the surgery.  Dr. Sternalso indicated that patients have less blood loss and less pain following the surgery.  Moreover, recent data indicates that the results of nerve-sparing are very encouraging, and may be better than traditional open surgery. 

Questions from the faculty and residents dealt with a variety of issues, including Dr. Stern’s nerve sparing technique for robotic prostatectomy.  “My initial exposure to nerve sparing was on the open technique for prostate cancer,” said Dr. Stern.  

Prior to his arrival to Arizona Urology Institute, Dr. Jeffrey Stern worked extensively with leaders in the field of prostate cancer during his training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.   “The anatomy of the prostate is extremely complex,” said Dr. Stern, who has written a book chapter on prostate anatomy.  “During the robotic operation, the field of view is magnified, and the surgeon can visualize the nerves to erection even better."

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