Robotic Urological Cancer Surgery - Melbourne

Robotic surgery has transformed the way we manage urologic cancers. With enhanced precision, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery, robotic technology allows surgeons to treat complex urological cancers with exceptional accuracy and control.

Dr Deanne Soares is a Melbourne urologist specialising in robotic prostate, kidney and bladder cancer surgery. Her practice is centred on delivering technically advanced, minimally invasive cancer care tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, values and recovery goals.

Why Robotic Surgery for Cancer?

Robotic platforms such as the da Vinci system allow surgeons to work with magnification, tremor-filtration and wristed instruments capable of micro-precision.

For patients, this typically means:

  • smaller incisions

  • reduced postoperative pain

  • shorter hospital stays

  • lower complication rates

  • faster return to daily activities

In cancer surgery, these advantages translate to excellent oncological control with the potential to preserve vital structures such as nerves and kidneys where appropriate.

Cancers Treated with Robotic Surgery

Prostate Cancer

Robotic radical prostatectomy is now the most common surgical approach to localised prostate cancer. Dr Deanne utilises refined nerve-sparing techniques to maximise cancer clearance while preserving urinary continence and erectile function whenever possible.

Indications include:

  • localised prostate cancer

  • unfavourable intermediate-risk disease

  • selected cases of high-risk prostate cancer

Goals: precise removal of the prostate, negative surgical margins, preservation of function.

Kidney Cancer

Robotic surgery allows for both kidney-sparing and complete kidney removal depending on tumour characteristics.

Procedures include:

Dr Deanne has subspecialty training in complex renal surgery.

Bladder Cancer

For selected patients, robotic radical cystectomy offers a minimally invasive approach to bladder cancer requiring bladder removal.

Surgical options include:

  • cystectomy with ileal conduit

  • continent urinary diversion (case-dependent)

The robotic platform assists with deep pelvic dissection and reconstruction, reducing blood loss and postoperative morbidity.

Robotic Surgery for Reconstructive Urology

In addition to cancer surgery, robotic techniques can assist in reconstructive procedures, including:

Robotic pyeloplasty for pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction

Robotic ureteric reimplantation for complex ureteric strictures

These procedures benefit significantly from the precision and visual clarity of robotic surgery, improving surgical success and long-term outcomes.

Why Choose a Subspecialist in Robotic Urologic Oncology?

Cancer surgery demands more than technical skill — it requires judgement, precision, and a clear understanding of tumour biology.

With dedicated sub-speciality training in England and extensive experience in robotic prostate, kidney and bladder surgery, Dr Deanne offers subspecialist-level care with an emphasis on safety, outcomes and long-term quality of life.

Her approach combines:

  • meticulous surgical technique

  • evidence-based decision making

  • clear communication with patients and their GPs

  • collaboration with multidisciplinary cancer teams