Vītola Clinic is the first clinic in Latvia to introduce da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery, expanding its surgical services in urology and gynaecology. The technology gives patients access to advanced minimally invasive treatment options and enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision, helping preserve healthy tissue and maintain organ function. The first procedures are scheduled for December 2026.
The da Vinci system allows surgeons to operate through small incisions using a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical area and highly manoeuvrable instruments. This enables precise movements, tissue dissection and suturing, even in areas that are difficult to access using conventional surgical techniques. The surgeon remains in full control throughout the procedure, operating the instruments and camera from a specialised console. The system does not make decisions or perform actions independently.
For appropriately selected patients, minimally invasive surgery can offer several advantages over open surgery, including smaller scars, less postoperative pain and blood loss, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to everyday activities. The precision of the instruments can also help surgeons preserve nerves and other important anatomical structures, supporting the maintenance of organ function and quality of life after surgery. The potential benefits vary depending on the diagnosis, procedure and patient’s overall health.
For patients, it is important to understand why a particular treatment is recommended and how it meets their individual needs. The da Vinci system expands our technical capabilities, allowing us to work with highly precise instruments. However, every treatment decision continues to be guided by the diagnosis, the surgeon’s experience and the patient’s individual circumstances. During consultations, we will discuss the potential benefits, risks and alternative treatment options
For patients, it is important to understand why a particular treatment is recommended and how it meets their individual needs. The da Vinci system expands our technical capabilities, allowing us to work with highly precise instruments. However, every treatment decision continues to be guided by the diagnosis, the surgeon’s experience and the patient’s individual circumstances. During consultations, we will discuss the potential benefits, risks and alternative treatment options
Dr Jurģis Vītols, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at Vītola Clinic.
In urology, robotic-assisted surgery is commonly used in the treatment of prostate, kidney and bladder conditions, including cancer. In gynaecology, it can be used for procedures involving endometriosis, fibroids, hysterectomy and pelvic organ prolapse.
The precision of robotic instruments helps surgeons preserve healthy tissue and important anatomical structures. In suitable cases, this may support the preservation of urinary continence and erectile function following prostate surgery, or allow a kidney tumour to be removed while preserving the remaining healthy kidney tissue. The most appropriate surgical approach is determined individually, based on the patient’s diagnosis, overall health, potential benefits and associated risks.
By introducing da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery, Vītola Clinic is expanding access to internationally established surgical technology in Latvia. Developed through decades of innovation and clinical experience, the system complements the expertise of the clinic’s specialists and broadens the range of minimally invasive treatment options available to patients. This investment reflects Vītola Clinic’s commitment to delivering world-class surgical care in Latvia.
What is robotic-assisted surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which a surgeon uses a robotic surgical system to perform an operation. Vītola Clinic will use the da Vinci system, developed and manufactured by US-based Intuitive Surgical, a company with more than 30 years of experience in robotic-assisted surgical technology.
The da Vinci system consists of a surgeon’s console and robotic arms that hold the camera and surgical instruments. From the console, the surgeon controls the instruments and camera while viewing the surgical area through a magnified, three-dimensional image.
The system does not operate independently or make clinical decisions. Instead, it translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise instrument movements, allowing for greater control and accuracy.
The system’s fine, highly flexible instruments enable surgeons to perform delicate procedures and suturing, including in areas that can be difficult to reach with conventional surgical instruments.
As with any surgical procedure, the most appropriate approach is determined individually, taking into account the patient’s diagnosis, treatment needs and overall health.
Potential benefits for patients
For appropriately selected patients, robotic-assisted surgery may offer several potential benefits. The extent of these benefits depends on the procedure and the patient’s individual circumstances.
- Smaller incisions and scars. Procedures are performed through small incisions, generally resulting in smaller surgical scars. A minimally invasive approach may also help reduce postoperative pain.
- Greater surgical precision and tissue preservation. The magnified 3D view and flexible instruments allow surgeons to perform delicate procedures with greater precision, including in hard-to-reach areas, while helping preserve surrounding tissues and important anatomical structures.
- Potentially less blood loss and shorter hospital stays. Robotic-assisted surgery may help reduce blood loss and, in suitable cases, allow patients to return home sooner.
- A faster return to everyday activities. Recovery may be shorter, allowing patients to resume their usual activities sooner. The timing and level of activity following surgery should always be guided by the treating surgeon.
- Better preservation of organ function and quality of life. The system enables surgeons to identify and work around delicate anatomical structures with greater precision. In suitable cases, this can help preserve healthy tissue and support better functional outcomes after surgery.
The potential benefits should always be considered in the context of the planned procedure and the patient’s health. Both conventional laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery are minimally invasive approaches designed to reduce surgical trauma and support recovery. The choice between them depends on the individual case and should be made jointly by the surgeon and patient after discussing the expected benefits and potential risks.
Robotic-assisted surgery in urology
Robotic-assisted surgery is used in selected procedures involving the prostate and kidneys, as well as certain reconstructive procedures of the urinary tract.
During a consultation, the urologist will assess whether robotic-assisted surgery is an appropriate option, taking into account the diagnosis, the complexity of the planned procedure and the patient’s overall health.
The consultation will also provide an opportunity to discuss how the operation is performed, its potential benefits and risks, and what to expect during recovery. The surgeon will explain how to prepare for surgery, what happens afterwards and which recommendations should be followed during the recovery period. Patients will have the opportunity to ask questions and make an informed decision about their treatment together with their doctor.
Treatment of prostate cancer
Robotic-assisted surgery is widely used in the surgical treatment of prostate cancer. Localised prostate cancer is often treated with a radical prostatectomy, a procedure in which the entire prostate gland is removed.
Two of the most common potential side effects of this procedure are urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
While robotic-assisted surgery does not fundamentally change the oncological outcome of prostate cancer treatment, it offers greater precision when working around delicate anatomical structures. This may help reduce the risk of postoperative complications, particularly urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, compared with other surgical approaches.
Treatment of kidney tumours
In the treatment of kidney tumours, robotic-assisted surgery can enable surgeons to remove complex or larger tumours while preserving more of the healthy kidney tissue in suitable cases.
Preserving as much functioning kidney tissue as possible is important for maintaining long-term kidney function, reducing the risk of kidney failure and supporting patients’ quality of life.
By combining precise instrument control with a magnified three-dimensional view, the da Vinci system gives surgeons additional technical capabilities when performing these complex procedures.
