Robotic surgery has revolutionized the way surgeries are done. Highly skilled surgeons utilize cutting-edge robotic technology to offer maximum benefits to patients. The advanced technology ensures higher precision, reduced pain and scars, and faster recovery. Here we elaborate what robotic surgery is, how it works, and how it is transforming the contemporary healthcare scenario.
Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery
The term Robotic Surgery basically refers to Robot-Assisted Surgery. Surgeons make use of sophisticated robotic systems to perform surgeries. Most people tend to believe it is robots that perform surgeries. However, it is not so. Robotic systems are advanced machines that only help surgeons during surgical operations. But otherwise, surgeons totally control surgeries.
The robotic tools assist surgeons by allowing for finer movements alongside enhanced visualization. This way, surgeons can operate with unmatched accuracy. Be it a minor surgery or a complex procedure, surgical robots help surgeons access hard-to-reach areas of your body. Also, healthy neighbouring tissues remain untouched.
Robotic Surgery finds use in a wide range of medical procedures – from knee replacements, hernia, gallbladder, and prostate surgeries to cancer treatments.
How Robotic Surgery Works
The most prominent surgical robots are – the da Vinci Xi and the Cuvis.
The da Vinci Xi Surgical System is an advanced robotic system used for minimally invasive surgeries in urology, gynaecology, gallbladder, hernia, cancer, and others.
- Its main components are a surgeon console, robotic arms, and a high-definition camera.
- The camera shows highly magnified images of the surgical spot to the surgeon.
- The robotic arms are highly flexible. They have 360-degree movement, which is not possible for a human wrist. These arms hold tiny tools that work under the surgeon’s control with high precision.
- The surgeon is seated at the console, and operates the robotic arms with the help of hand controls and foot pedals.
- The surgeon operates the robotic system in real-time, and has absolute control over every movement.
- The use of robotic technology eliminates the possibility of errors.
The Cuvis is another advanced robotic system used for minimally invasive orthopaedic procedures – joint replacement surgeries of the knee and the hip.
- Its main components are a main console, a robotic arm, a navigation system, and planning software.
- The planning device helps with CT imaging of a patient for pre-planning of the surgery.
- The robotic arm has a milling tool at its tip for bone-cutting.
- The main console includes an OTS (Optimal Tracking System) for real-time monitoring of the surgery that guides your surgeon.
- It helps with accurate placement of artificial joints for better mobility and durable joints.
- The robot enhances the skills of your surgeon by providing 3D scans and real-time feedback during the surgery.
How is Robotic Surgery Beneficial for Patients?
When compared with traditional open surgery or even laparoscopic surgery, Robotic Surgery offers numerous advantages to you:
- Smaller Incisions (cuts): Minimal invasion means less pain, less bleeding, and quicker healing.
- Less scarring: Since incisions are much smaller, scarring of skin is also lesser.
- Negligible Post-Operative Pain: You have comparatively less postoperative pain. Hence, you do not need strong painkillers.
- Faster Recovery: You can return to your normal routine sooner as compared to traditional surgery.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Because it is minimally invasive and very precise, you run minimal risk of complications, such as excess blood loss and chances of infection.
- Improved Outcomes: For many procedures, particularly complex ones, robotic surgery often leads to better outcomes and higher success rates.
Common Surgeries Done with Robotic Technology
Robotic technology can be used for a range of surgeries, including:
- Joint Replacements: In case of knee replacements, robotic surgery ensures high accuracy in implant placement, customized surgery plans, potentially faster recovery, improved joint function, and more durable implant.
- Cancer Surgery: For prostate, kidney, and gynaecological cancers, robotic technology enables surgeons to remove tumours very precisely without harming surrounding muscles, nerves, and tissues.
- General Surgeries: Gallbladder removal surgeries, hernia repair surgeries, and bariatric surgeries are becoming more comfortable and accurate with robotic systems.
Why do Doctors Prefer Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is fast becoming the preferred choice of doctors because of its precision, control, and enhanced visibility. It is because these aspects translate into many incredible benefits for patients that improve the quality of their life.
As doctors are concerned about the well-being of their patients and follow a patient-centric approach, robotic technology always scores better than conventional approaches. More than technology, it’s about patient-care.
With the help of robotic surgery, there is no longer a need for big incisions (cuts). Surgeons can perform minimally invasive operations. It opens up new possibilities for patients who could not be operated with conventional open surgeries.
Is Robotic Surgery Risky?
The major risk with any surgery is that of infection. But robotic technology minimizes that too because surgery is done through small incisions. In short, you can say that in comparison to open and laparoscopic surgeries, robotic surgery carries minimum risk.
The Future of Robotic Surgery
Till some years ago, removing gallbladder through tiny cuts would have seemed sheer imagination. But not any longer. Robotic surgery has made tiny-cut surgeries possible. And the field is still evolving. With more innovations, robotics would enable higher precision, affordability, and reach. We can expect to see robotic surgery being used in ways that seem impossible today.
The use of robotics in surgeries means a bright future for patients. With higher safety, shorter recovery time, scars that disappear within a few days, and better results, robotic surgeries have been transforming healthcare.
Conclusion
Robotic surgery in India is no short of a revolution in healthcare. It has combined precision with innovation. Surgeries are done altogether differently, to ensure that patients recover much faster. Even complex surgeries have become possible, and that too with improved outcomes. If you or any of your near and dear ones, has been advised surgery, you should discuss the prospects of robotic surgery with your doctor. It could be a game-changer as it paves the way to a more comfortable and faster recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is robotic surgery suitable for everyone?
No. While most people can be operated using robotic surgery, doctors consider some factors, such as your medical history, your overall health, and the kind of procedure.
Do robotic surgeries take more time than conventional ones?
The actual surgery time with robotic technology is often similar to that in conventional approaches. However, the setup time prior to surgery may be slightly more. Besides, the complexity of the case matters.
Is robotic surgery more costly than traditional options?
Robotic surgery can be somewhat more expensive because it uses advanced technology. But most patients choose robotic surgery as they recover faster, do not get scars, and complications are unlikely.
Can any doctor perform robotic surgery?
No. Only those surgeons who have proper training and certification in the use of surgical robots can do robotic surgeries.
How do I know if I am a good fit for robotic surgery?
Talk to your doctor about your problem and treatment options to know if robotic surgery would be a good choice for you according to your needs. Expert robotic surgeons at Sohana Hospital are always available to answer all your queries and suggest you the best treatment.
