Robotic surgery has revolutionized modern medicine, especially in urology, where precision and minimal invasiveness are key to successful outcomes. The da Vinci® Single Port surgical system, developed by Intuitive, represents the next evolution of robotic technology—allowing complex procedures to be performed through a single incision smaller than three centimetres. For patients and surgeons alike, this innovation signals a new era of surgical precision, faster recovery, and expanded treatment possibilities.

What Is the da Vinci® Single Port Surgical System?

The da Vinci Single Port (SP) system is an advanced robotic platform designed to perform intricate surgical procedures through a single entry point. Unlike traditional multi-port robotic systems—such as the da Vinci Xi—the Single Port system integrates all surgical instruments and the camera through one flexible cannula.

Inside this small port, three multi-jointed, wristed instruments and a fully wristed 3D HD camera provide unparalleled dexterity and visualization. Surgeons operate from a console, controlling each movement with remarkable accuracy, allowing them to navigate narrow anatomical spaces with minimal tissue disruption.

This single-port approach not only simplifies access but also reduces trauma, scarring, and postoperative pain, key factors in patient recovery.

Key Benefits for Patients

The da Vinci Single Port system builds upon the well-established benefits of robotic-assisted surgery, such as:

• Less postoperative pain and trauma
• Faster recovery and early discharge
• Reduced blood loss and minimal scarring
• Shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal activities

However, the Single Port platform amplifies these benefits further thanks to its single incision approach, which minimizes surgical entry points and optimizes healing.

Additional Patient Advantages

Suitable for patients with previous abdominal surgeries:
The SP system offers new surgical options for patients who have significant scar tissue or previous incisions, allowing surgeons to navigate complex anatomy with precision.

Potential for natural orifice surgery:
The Single Port technology opens possibilities for scarless surgery, accessing organs through natural orifices such as the urethra or vagina—reducing external incisions altogether.

Ideal for those unable to tolerate multiple incisions:
Patients who previously were not candidates for robotic surgery due to medical conditions or anatomical constraints may now benefit from minimally invasive treatment.

Retroperitoneal approach for kidney surgery:
Through a low, discreet incision near the flank or back, surgeons can access the kidney for partial or radical nephrectomy—reducing abdominal trauma and improving postoperative comfort.

Effective for patients with low BMI and smaller prostates:
The system’s extraperitoneal access enables efficient operations even in patients with limited space within the abdominal cavity, leading to shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery.

How It Works: Precision Through One Port

The da Vinci SP system’s design allows three robotic instruments and a high-definition 3D camera to operate through one flexible, curved cannula. Once inside the body, these instruments fan out and triangulate, providing surgeons with full maneuverability and depth perception despite using just one incision.

This architecture grants surgeons the ability to perform delicate dissections, suturing, and reconstruction in areas that would traditionally require multiple ports. The result is an optimal balance between surgical control and patient safety.

Transformative Applications in Urology

The field of urologic oncology and reconstructive urology is where the da Vinci Single Port system truly shines. Its ability to perform complex procedures through minimal access is changing the landscape for surgeries such as:

• Radical prostatectomy (for prostate cancer)
• Partial or total nephrectomy (for kidney tumors)
• Cystectomy and bladder reconstruction
• Pyeloplasty and ureteral reimplantation

The retroperitoneal and transvesical approaches enabled by the SP system make it particularly valuable for urologists seeking to minimize intra-abdominal dissection, which can reduce postoperative pain and accelerate recovery.

Studies have shown that robotic-assisted single port surgery can maintain or even improve oncologic and functional outcomes compared to multi-port techniques—while enhancing cosmetic results and patient satisfaction.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Robotic Urology

As robotic-assisted surgery continues to evolve, the da Vinci Single Port system represents a significant step toward the future of personalized, precision-driven urology. Its combination of minimal invasiveness, flexibility, and accuracy aligns perfectly with the core goals of modern surgical care: shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and improved patient outcomes.

The integration of Single Port technology into urologic oncology and reconstructive surgery not only advances surgical capabilities but also reinforces a broader trend toward patient-centered innovation—where technology adapts to human needs, not the other way around.