Dr. James Porter & the da Vinci System

About the da Vinci System

The da Vinci robotic system is a state-of-the-art robotic surgical device used by Dr. Porter to treat prostate and kidney cancers. The da Vinci System gives surgeons:

  • A 3D high-definition view inside the patient’s body
  • Instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human hand
  • Enhanced vision, precision, and control
  • Doctor view magnified by 10x to 15x
  • Ergonomic benefit for the surgeon because of seated position during procedure

The da Vinci technology enables surgeons to operate through a few small incisions instead of a large open incision. A surgeon’s hand movements are translated into precise movements of micro instruments, enabling the performance of complex surgeries.

The system cannot be programmed nor can it make decisions on its own, the surgeon is in 100% control at all times.

One of the most common treatments for prostate cancer involves the surgical removal of the prostate gland, known as radical prostatectomy. Traditional radical prostatectomy requires an 8-10-inch incision. This open surgery commonly results in substantial blood loss, a lengthy and uncomfortable recovery, and the risk of impotence and incontinence.

Compared to an open prostatectomy, the da Vinci prostatectomy offers:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less pain and scarring
  • Less risk of infection
  • Less blood loss and less risk of transfusion
  • Faster recovery and quicker return to normal activities

Surgery to remove the kidney is known as a nephrectomy. When surgeons remove only the tumor and leave the healthy portion, it’s called a partial nephrectomy. Surgery can be performed with open surgery or minimally invasive surgery, called laparoscopy.

Compared to open surgery, the da Vinci partial nephrectomy offers:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less pain
  • Less blood loss
  • Fewer complications
  • Smaller incisions for less scarring

Compared to traditional laparoscopy, the da Vinci partial nephrectomy offers:

  • Better kidney function
  • Shorter warm ischemic time
  • Less blood loss
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Fewer complications
  • Ability to remove more complex tumors while maintaining the kidney

About Dr. Porter

“I had prostate cancer when I was 43 and chose robotic surgery to treat it. This turned out to be a priceless experience because I now know what my patients experience and I realize they have one chance at an optimal outcome. I bring this mindset to every procedure I perform. This has made me a more empathetic and better surgeon.”

Dr. James Porter is the most experienced surgeon using the da Vince robotic system in the Pacific Northwest.

He has completed more than 3000 procedures using the robotic da Vinci System, making him one of the top five practitioners in the nation. He specializes primarily in prostate, kidney cancer procedures, and urinary constructive procedures.

Dr. Porter is currently the medical director for robotic surgery at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, where he also directs the Robotic and Laparoscopic Fellowship in Urology. In addition, he serves as Director of Robotics for Providence Health and Services. Before joining the Swedish Urology Group, he served as chief of urology at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and subsequently as head of laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the Department of Urology at the University of Washington Medical Center.

A passionate mentor, Dr. Porter actively teaches and promotes minimally invasive surgical techniques to the national and international urologic community. He is a leading global proponent of the da Vinci System, which gives surgeons enhanced vision, precision and control. The potential benefits over open surgery for prostate or kidney treatment include a shorter hospital stay; reduced pain, less blood loss and decreased risk of infection; and a faster return to normal activities.

Please read the following for more information on Dr. Porter:

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Dr. Porter Becomes First in Pacific Northwest for 3,000 Procedures

Seattle surgeon first in the Pacific Northwest to complete record 3000 procedures with the da Vinci System robotic technology Dr. James Porter of Swedish Medical Center among top five in nation,