SUBSCRIBE
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Health For Mzansi
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
Health For Mzansi

Surgeon hits record with 1 000 robotic surgeries

by Noluthando Ngcakani
22nd June 2021
in Trending
Reading Time: 2 mins read
A A
Dr Lance Coetzee has become the first urologist in Mzansi to complete 1 000 robotic procedures. He says robots are changing the face of cancer treatment and helping to save lives. Photo: Prostate Cancer Foundation South Africa

Dr Lance Coetzee has become the first urologist in Mzansi to complete 1 000 robotic procedures. He says robots are changing the face of cancer treatment and helping to save lives. Photo: Prostate Cancer Foundation South Africa

Robots are changing the face of cancer treatment and helping save lives. This is the view of Dr Lance Coetzee, a renowned surgeon at the Urology Hospital Pretoria. He has just become the first urologist to complete 1 000 robotic surgeries in South Africa.

“As robotic technology evolves into smaller, sleeker machines, they can perform even more precise procedures, saving many more lives,” Coetzee explains.

Highly-trained, specialist urologists use a comprehensive approach in both medication and surgery to care for people with urological problems.

What exactly does he do?

In 2013, the Urology Hospital Pretoria became the first institution in Africa to acquire a surgical system.

Coetzee is one of a handful of South African proctor surgeons registered to train other Mzansi urologists in robotic surgery. 

To date, Coetzee says that majority of his 1 000 surgeries include radical prostatectomies (removing a cancerous prostate) while some have been partial nephrectomies (partial kidney removal). 

“Robotically-assisted surgery is minimally invasive and negates the tremendous morbidity of the large incision we would use for open surgery,” he said. 

“Robotic surgery is here to stay and is growing in leaps and bounds. This technology allows for a much shorter recovery time. Patients no longer must be away from work for six weeks for a large abdominal operation. Using robotic surgery patients can be back at work in as little as 10 days.”

Coetzee says open prostate surgery recorded a post-operative potency rate of around 40%, while robotic surgery preserved this function in over 80% of patients.

He adds urinary incontinence from robotic surgery was below 2%, significantly lower than open surgery.  

“We are now entering the 4th generation of robots that are smaller sleeker, more manoeuvrable and which will help continue to save more lives. 

What are the side effects of surgery?

ALSO READ: 900 000 midwives needed, says UN

 

 

Tags: medical technologyurology
Noluthando Ngcakani

Noluthando Ngcakani

Related Articles

From shame to support: Break the silence on mental health
My Health

From shame to support: Break the silence on mental health

by Vateka Halile
17th July 2025
Trending

Student hunger crisis spurs vital UCT intervention

by Niémah Davids
4th July 2025

Stories

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites
Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics
Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy
Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen
No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches
How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth
Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing
Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers
No Result
View All Result

Latest

From shame to support: Break the silence on mental health
My Health

From shame to support: Break the silence on mental health

by Vateka Halile
17th July 2025

Mental health affects everyone – rich or poor, young or old. Yet, stigma remains strong. Experts share valuable advice on...

Read moreDetails

Fight off winter bugs with this power-packed mince & veggie dish

15th July 2025
Mental health

KZN community health workers take on mental health crisis

14th July 2025
Ginger

Grow your own ginger and spice up your health

10th July 2025
Carnivore diet: Experts warn against meat-only madness

Carnivore diet: Experts warn against meat-only madness

8th July 2025
Health For Mzansi

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824

News: hello@healthformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

Awards & Impact
Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy
Copyright

Somagwaza

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites

cropped-scott-webb-yekGLpc3vro-unsplash.jpeg

Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics

Dr Sinethemba Makanya

Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy

From shame to support: Break the silence on mental health

Fight off winter bugs with this power-packed mince & veggie dish

KZN community health workers take on mental health crisis

Grow your own ginger and spice up your health

Carnivore diet: Experts warn against meat-only madness

Pill by pill: How addiction nearly destroyed a mother’s life

error: Content is protected !!
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes

© 2021 Health For Mzansi | Farmers For Change Pty (Ltd)

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers