Future of Robotics- Revolutionizing Treatments - RBH Jaipur

Robotic Surgery | Posted on 09/11/2023 by RBH

Introduction

In this era of technology and advancement, robotic surgery transformed the surgical field with its latest and highly advanced techniques. Most surgeons nowadays prefer using this technology because of its flexibility, control, and precision. More than traditional surgeries, it offers more efficiency and effectiveness with satisfying results for both the doctors and patients. So, if your doctor has told you might require surgery, clearly you will be confused and apprehensive. You begin to think whether everything will go fine or not. Well, robotic surgery successfully has led to a reduction of these kinds of apprehensions because of its accuracy and distinctness. 

In this blog, we will illustrate everything related to robotic surgery. You will gain an enhanced comprehension of the aspect. However, kindly note that this is for informational purposes only and doesn’t construe with the doctor’s consultation. You can book your appointment with Rukmani Birla Hospital in Jaipur to understand if you need robotic surgery for your condition or not. You will find the best and most highly skilled healthcare professionals assisting you in this aspect. 

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is also referred to as robotic-assisted surgery. It allows doctors to perform various types of intricate surgeries with complete control, flexibility, and precision. It offers more efficiency than conventional procedures. Robotic surgery is linked to minimally invasive surgery performed through tiny incisions. It is also at times used in various traditional open surgical procedures. 

Robotic-assisted surgery involves using specialized technology enhancing the efficiency of the surgeon's hands. The technology involves surgical arms having tiny instruments with wrists, special cameras offering increased magnified 3D surgical area, and a surgical console where the surgeon has the efficiency of controlling the instrument and camera’s movements.

Why is Robotic Surgery Performed?

Surgeons who are involved in the use of robotic systems gain the ability to enhance precision, control, and flexibility during the operation. It allows the doctor to have a view of the area when compared to the traditional procedures. The use of robotic surgery allows surgeons can perform intricate and complicated surgeries that are difficult with other techniques. Robotic surgeries are performed as they involve less pain, blood loss, shorter hospital, fewer complications, and less noticeable scars. 

Robotic surgery is performed as it is the finest surgery for complicated procedures requiring too much precision. This technology offers a clear view of the area to surgeons which allows them to operate precisely as certain things are not clear sometimes with the naked eye. 

Types of Robotic Surgeries

There are different types of robotic-assisted surgeries that are as: 

• Heart surgery: Robotic surgery can be performed for various conditions such as atrial septal defect repair, cardiac tumor removal, mitral valve repair, patent foramen ovale repair, and tricuspid valve repair. 
• Gastrointestinal surgery: Robotic surgery is performed for gastrointestinal such as gastric bypass, colectomy, proctectomy, pancreatectomy, and gastrectomy. 
• General surgery: Doctors involve the use of robotic surgery for appendectomy, gallbladder removal, and hernia repair. 
• Gynecological surgery: Robotic surgery is used for endometriosis resection, hysterectomy, and pelvic organ prolapse repair.

What are the conditions for which Robotic Surgery is used?

Certain conditions are there that can be treated with robotic surgery. Here are these conditions: 

• Cardiovascular conditions like heart valve disorders, atrial fibrillation, and congenital heart defects. 
• Abdominal wall hernias
• Different types of cancer like gastrointestinal cancer, and colorectal cancer. 
• Conditions linked to the digestive tract like esophageal cancer, esophageal disease, stomach cancer, and gastrointestinal reflux disease. 
• Gynecological conditions are treated with robotic technology like cancer, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, and female reproductive organs. 
• Endocrine conditions like pancreatic cancer, thyroid disease, pancreatic disease, and thyroid cancer. 
• Oral and maxillofacial conditions such as kidney illnesses, bladder cancer, and men’s urinary tract conditions. 
• Orthopedic conditions such as robotic surgery for knee replacement. 
• Hepatobiliary illnesses like liver cancer affect the bile duct and gallbladder.

Advantages and risks of robotic surgery

Robotic surgery has progressed massively in the surgical field and it is because of the following advantages it offers: 

• The surgeon gets an improved view of what is going on during the operation allowing him/her to make effective and informed decisions 
• There is less tissue damage with the robotic surgery assisting in quick recovery for the patient
• The chances of infection are very low with robotic surgery as there are tiny incisions. 
• This technology doesn’t cause pain as the incisions are smaller than the general surgery. 
• Minimal blood loss is there with robotic surgery which means fewer blood transfusions. 
• It allows doctors to perform complicated surgeries smoothly. 
• The technology offers quick recovery with no need for hospitalization. 
• Fewer scars with robotic surgery when compared to other general surgical procedures. 
• Robotic surgery offers better flexibility and dexterity. 
• Precision and efficacy are the keys to robotic surgery.

Risks of Robotic Surgery

Some risks are linked to robotic surgery and small infections are among them. There can be a risk of bleeding and breathing issues can be experienced as well. It is believed the risks of this surgical procedure are similar to traditional surgery, however, the risks are lesser. 

Are you the right candidate for robotic surgery?

For robotic surgeries, most people are considered to be the right candidate. However, the eligibility criteria rely on the specific person and the need for treatment. Some people might not need the surgery even if it is being used more than ever. It entirely depends on an individual situation. It is recommended to get in touch with your doctor if you are considering robotic surgery. The doctor would only be able to tell if you are the right candidate for the robotic surgery after understanding your medical history. 

Is robotic surgery safe?

Yes, robotic surgery is a safe and effective surgery. However, it depends on the person who is performing it. It is seen that people think that robots perform surgeries which isn’t true. Surgeons are the only ones who perform surgeries. They are trained to control and manage the surgery and assist the robot through the screen during the procedure. So, you don’t have to get apprehensive as this procedure is mainly known for its precision and effectiveness.

What to expect during robotic surgery?

You can anticipate the following steps that are performed during robotic surgery: 

• The surgeon will first instruct the robot to start the surgery by making one or more small incisions
• In the next step, the surgeon will initiate placing thin tubes through the insertion by guiding the technology. The robot is connected to the instruments and the ports 
• An endoscope, a long thin camera is inserted through the ports as it assists in providing images that are of high-definition in 3D during the surgery. 
• Continuing the procedure, the surgeon will further guide the robot to place the surgical instruments through the ports. 
• The robotic arm is controlled by a surgeon and he/she initiates everything through a console a few feet away from the patient.
• The surgeon and robotic arm are both assisted by an assistant who stays next to the surgeon when required. 

Conclusion

Robotics surgery is a technology that allows you to receive treatment with reduced downtime. A professional and talented surgeon involves the use of technology through tiny incisions. The technology is beneficial for several conditions such as bladder, prostate, heart, digestive system, etc. If your doctor has recommended you for robotic surgery, you can certainly consider it. It not only offers benefits like fast recovery, and less blood loss but also shorter hospital stays. You can consult your doctor to understand the benefits and risks that come with robotic technology.

FAQs

 

What is the most common robotic surgery procedure?

Many common robotic surgical procedures are there such as coronary artery bypass, surgical removal of cancerous tissue, gallbladder removal, hip replacement, kidney transplant, etc. 

Is robotic surgery safe?

Yes, robotic surgery is the safest and most effective surgical procedure. 

Is robotic surgery more painful?

It is vital to know that no surgery is pain-free. Robotic surgery causes less pain and scarring when compared to traditional surgical procedures.