The Role of the Nurse Anesthetist in the Care of Patients Undergoing Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract

Medical technology is modernizing each day. Robots are used in assisting laparoscopic surgery in order to treat patients more effectively. According to Ramathibodi Hospital statistics data, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in male patients. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery has been operated since 2013.Using the robot helps reduce surgical time and blood loss during the surgery. Patients are able to recover from the surgery faster. It also helps decrease the risk of nerve injury. The patients who undergo robotic-assisted surgery have better control of the bladder and lower incidence of erectile dysfunction postoperatively. Thus, robotic-assisted surgery can improve the patients' quality of life after the surgery. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has to understand an anesthetic technique in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. CRNA also has to know how to monitor the patient during the surgery. The large surgical instruments limit the space for CRNA to work. Multiple organ functions may be changed by the surgery, therefore, preanesthetic assessment, planning, and monitoring are very important for the patients’ safety. This surgical technique can prevent complications during the surgery and anesthesia.