Future Of Robotics Surgery – Revolutionizing Treatments

Robotic surgery or robot-assisted surgery is any type of surgical procedure that is performed using robotic systems. It allows the surgeon superior control over the surgical tools and a better view of the operative site than existing minimally invasive surgery techniques. Additionally, since they are not required to stand during the whole procedure, surgeons are spared the physical fatigue of long surgeries.

The robot’s computer program filters out vibrations that occur naturally and has better control over the laparoscopic camera placement, which in this case is also noticeably steadier with fewer unintentional movements than human help. The best part is that the same robot can be used for different rotational surgical teams without burning out. 

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery uses specialised technology that enhances the capabilities of your surgeon’s hands. Tiny incisions enable surgeons to execute surgeries in difficult-to-reach places. The specialised technology also enables enhanced magnification and precise movements. 

The technology consists of:

• Surgical console where the surgeon controls the instrument and camera’s every move.
• An innovative camera that offers improved magnified 3D images of the operating region.
• Wrists at the tips of surgical arms holding small tools.

Why is Robotic Surgery Performed?

Robotic surgery is fantastic for intricate treatments that need a lot of accuracy (like knee replacement or urological surgery). There are situations where conventional methods often add to the complexity of the surgery and reduce the chances of good clinical outcomes. In such cases, robotic surgery becomes the preferred option, since it provides the flexibility that is required for the surgery to be completed. 

With the aid of robotic technology, doctors may carefully inspect the region they are operating in. Since some things are not visible to the naked eye, this technology offers surgeons a clearer perspective, which is quite helpful for them to carry out the procedure accurately, while ensuring they have more control over their actions.

The advantages of robotic surgery are present for patients and surgeons. For the surgeon, it increases the feasibility of carrying out the procedure precisely. This would be the primary reason why this approach is gaining popularity for carrying out delicate surgeries. Among its various advantages, one significant advantage is that the surgeon need not stand throughout the operation for hours. They may sit comfortably and use their hands to direct the robot to replicate their motion throughout the procedure. Therefore the physical fatigue of the surgery is almost eliminated with robotic surgery.

Robotic surgery is superior in terms of dexterity. The robotic arms provide the surgeon access to spaces that are tough to access using hands in traditional methods. Therefore, it eliminates any untoward complication that might have occurred in a traditional approach in an attempt to reach the narrow and delicate but hard-to-reach areas.

For patients, robotic surgery also has several benefits. When compared to traditional surgery, robotic surgery has a quicker recovery period, allowing patients to return to work much sooner. Robotic surgery is also regarded as far less painful than open surgery and has a substantially lower risk of infection. The scars are less and there is less harm because the operation is minimally intrusive.

What are the Types of Robotic Surgeries?

Robotic surgery is appropriate for a wide range of surgeries. It is frequently used by colorectal surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, general surgeons, gynecologic surgeons and urologists. 

Types of Robotic Procedures Currently Available include:

Urologic Surgery

• Sural nerve graft
• Radical prostatectomy
• Partial nephrectomy
• Cystectomy

Thoracic Surgery

• Thymectomy
• Mediastinal mass reduction
• Lung resection

Gynecologic Surgery

• Pelvic organ prolapse repair
• Hysterectomy
• Endometriosis resection

General Surgery

• Hernia repair
• Gallbladder removal
• Appendectomy

Gastrointestinal Surgery

• Gastric bypass
• Pancreatectomy
• Gastrectomy
• Proctectomy
• Colectomy

Heart Surgery

• Tricuspid valve repair
• Patent foramen ovale repair
• Mitral valve repair
• Cardiac tumour removal
• Atrial septal defect repair

What are the Advantages and Risks of robotic surgery?

There are Numerous Advantages of Robotic Surgery:

• Due to the equipment and the robot’s accuracy, robotic surgery is far more precise and accurate than conventional surgery techniques.
• The surgeon has better dexterity and flexibility compared to traditional methods as he/she has clearer visuals.
• Reduced duration of postoperative hospital stay. In traditional methods, you may be required to stay for weeks but in most robotic surgeries that is not the case.
• Robotic surgeries lead to fewer complications due to surgery. Although there may be complications, the likelihood is much smaller.
• When compared to conventional procedures, the scars are less noticeable after robotic surgery.
• Robotic surgery results in substantially smaller incisions, quicker healing times, and a lower risk of infection.
• Robotic surgeries allow complex surgeries to be performed that are not possible with traditional methods.
• Using a high-resolution camera to provide real-time photos of the region, the surgeon has greater access to the area where the procedure is taking place.
• Robotic surgery results in minimum blood loss, which implies fewer blood transfusions and therefore improved clinical outcomes. 
• Because the incisions are substantially smaller than during traditional surgery, patients feel less discomfort during robotic surgery.
• There are fewer chances of getting an infection when robotic surgery is performed with smaller incisions.
• Less tissue injury for the patient during robotic procedures aids in a quicker recovery.
• The surgeon can see better and make better judgments since they have a greater understanding of what is happening throughout the procedure.

While the surgical approach has amazing clinical outcomes, the success of the approach will depend upon the patient’s condition. This approach is making it easier to approach complex high-risk surgeries to help the patient recover faster and better. 

Are You the Right Candidate for Robotic Surgery?

Typically, most people are ideal candidates for robotic surgeries. The particular person and their suitable treatment will need to be thoroughly assessed by the surgeon who will operate. Patient profiling is vital in the case of all complex surgical procedures. You and your doctor need to discuss in detail whether robotic surgery is the right approach for your current condition or not. Since the surgeon will also be aware of your medical history, it will help them profile you better to ascertain your eligibility for robotic surgery. This is common practice for all surgical procedures as some health problems need a set of conditions to be met by the patient to be eligible for robotic surgery.

Is Robotic Surgery Safe?

Robotic surgery and its safety depend on the surgeon who is performing it. People misunderstand the robotic surgical system because they believe a robot makes all the decisions. However, that is untrue. Every single time, it’s the surgeon. Robotic surgery is safe when the surgeon has received comprehensive training on how to use the robotic surgical system.

Conclusion

With a host of benefits for both the surgeon and the patient, robotic or robot-assisted surgery is advancing minimum access surgery in India. It is now a staple of most surgical procedures and has improved the safety and accuracy of both routine and intricate operations. Both the patient and the surgeon have found the results to be advantageous.

We make sure patients receive comprehensive medical care at the CK Birla Hospital, including compassionate care. This patient-centred approach not only promotes faster healing but also makes sure that patients are informed of the precautions to take. More than 6,000 operations have been performed by our team of highly competent surgeons, and they are adept at performing life-saving operations.

FAQs

Is Robotic Surgery Safe?

Robotic surgeries come with inherent benefits; this technology is usually safe and effective compared with traditional surgical approaches, although it involves some risks which might be similar to risks of conventional open surgery. 

Is Robotic Surgery more Painful?

Compared to open operations, the discomfort and physical scars are minimal. Robotic-assisted surgery brings more benefits to the table than traditional surgeries and offers cancer patients an experience which is quicker to recover from, less risky, less painful and better. 

Does the Robot Perform the Procedure?

Robotic surgical technology can not move on its own. Surgeons are in control at all times. There are safety mechanisms in place to ensure the robot does not move without the surgeon controlling it. 

Is an Open Surgery better Compared to a Robot-assisted Surgery?

With robot-assisted technology, surgeons get benefits like an enhanced view, clinical precision and reduced fatigue. Patients also gain through lesser recovery time and few or no scars.

How Long does it Take for Someone to Recover after Robotic Surgery?

Since every patient is unique, you should talk to your doctor about your recovery. In general, patients might stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 nights and then return home. Most patients find they have recovered fully within 6 weeks of surgery.