Whenever it comes to surgical options for any disease, usually the first thing which comes to mind is a traditional open approach, wherein a surgeon operates with handheld instruments through a large cut (incision). Over the last few decades, a less invasive approach called minimal access surgery which requires few small cuts, has replaced almost all of the open surgical procedures. These include surgeries with the help of telescope and long instruments called as laparoscopic surgeries and more recently the introduction of robotic platforms for robot assisted surgeries.
Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, combines the precision of robotics with the expertise of human surgeons leading to improved patient outcomes.
Since its induction about 20 years back and with several different types available, use of robots among surgeries is becoming popular day by day and more and more surgeons and hospitals are adopting them. The roots of robotic surgery trace back to the 1980s when the first robotic system, PUMA 560, was used to perform neurosurgical biopsies. However robotic surgeries gained mainstream attention with the introduction of the da Vinci Surgical System. Developed by Intuitive Surgical, this robotic platform revolutionized minimally invasive surgery by offering enhanced dexterity, precision, and 3D visualization.
Almost all of the surgical procedures previously done with laparoscopy can now be done with robotic assistance.
Technology Behind Robotic Surgeries:
Robotic surgery systems consist of a console where the surgeon sits, a robotic arm system equipped with surgical instruments, and a high-definition 3D camera. The surgeon controls the robotic arms using hand and foot controls at the console, translating their movements into precise actions by the robotic system. The advanced technologies allow surgeons to perform intricate procedures with greater control and accuracy.
Applications of Robotic Surgeries:
Robotic surgeries find applications in various medical specialties, including:
Advantages of Robotic Surgeries:
There are several advantages of the robotic assisted surgery over traditional open or laparoscopic surgery.
Robotic surgeries often smaller incisions, leading to reduced pain, shorter recovery times, and lower risk of infection.
Enhanced Precision: The robotic system provides surgeons with a greater range of motion and improved precision, allowing for meticulous and delicate procedures.
3D Visualization: All of the above advantages can be attributed to robotic assistance due to magnified 3 dimensional vision and almost 360 rotation movement of the robotic arms which allows meticulous dissection of tissues and control of loss of blood.
The robotic arms can reach difficult places where a surgeon’s hands couldn’t and also the movements are free from the normal tremors that come from a surgeon’s hands.
Robotic surgery gives the surgeon a clear and precise view of the anatomy which results in fewer complications and quicker recovery. The high-definition 3D camera offers a detailed and magnified view of the surgical site, enabling better decision-making during the procedure.
Quicker Recovery: Patients undergoing robotic surgeries may experience shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries.
Robotic surgeries are especially superior over conventional and laparoscopic surgeries while operating on pelvic organs like rectum, uterus, prostrate, kidneys and other urological procedures.
The future may see further miniaturization of robotic components, increased autonomy, and expanded applications across different medical specialties.
As technology continues to evolve, the integration of robotics into the surgical domain holds immense promise for improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of medicine. The journey of robotic surgeries has just begun, and the future holds exciting possibilities for this groundbreaking technology.
In simpler terms, robotic surgery is like having a highly skilled, super-precise assistant working alongside your surgeon, making surgeries less invasive and potentially leading to quicker recoveries. It's a blend of human expertise and cutting-edge technology, all aimed at making medical procedures safer and more effective for patients like you!
