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February 17, 2023 – As the first surgeon to perform robot-assisted surgery at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) in 2008 and as the first surgeon to perform robot-assisted surgery using the da Vinci SP® (single port) at TGH in 2019, Dr. Raviender Bukkapatnam, co-Chief of the TGH Urology Institute, President of Florida Urology Partners, co-Director of Robot-Assisted Surgery at Tampa General, explains why the program is so successful. “It’s our ability to perform a significant volume of robot-assisted surgeries that not only benefits our patients in terms of access to quality minimally invasive care, but high volumes lead to better outcomes. Much of the expertise acquired in performing surgical procedures is gained through performing those procedures over and over again.”

Likewise, Dr. Lucas Wiegand, a renowned reconstructive urologist at USF Health at the University of South Florida, has successfully completed his 150th single-port robotic case. The milestone marks a significant achievement and a commitment to providing world-class urological care. To date, the collective team of surgeons conducted a total of 191 procedures.

Single-port robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that enables doctors to perform complex procedures through a single incision. The benefits of this approach include reduced scarring, faster recovery times, and improved outcomes for patients.

“I am proud to reach this important milestone and to continue to bring the latest innovations in urologic care to my patients,” said Dr. Wiegand. “Single-port robotic surgery is a game-changer for our field and provides patients with a safer and more comfortable experience.”

Dr. Wiegand is one of the most experienced urologic surgeons in the country and has been at the forefront of innovative techniques and technologies in his field. He has been with USF Health for over a decade and has built a reputation for excellence in patient care.

“Dr. Wiegand’s expertise in single-port robotic surgery is a true asset to our team at USF Health,” said Dr. Rafael Carrion, Chief of Urology at USF Health and Co-Chief of the TGH Urology Institute. “His dedication to his patients and his commitment to advancing the field of urology make him a valuable member of our team.”

The da Vinci SP system allows a camera and three surgical instruments to fit inside a tube that passes through a single one-inch-wide incision, instead of the four required by the last generation of robots. This “single port” allows surgeons to use a minimally invasive approach, even for complex procedures, that combines deep access with flexible camera visibility and precision. Surgeons can also use the device to perform surgeries from new and different routes through the body.

The FDA has cleared the da Vinci SP for use in urology procedures and certain types of head and neck procedures as well. TGH performs these procedures in collaboration with TGH medical staff, doctors from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and private practice physicians.