Robotic Surgery for Cancer Patients- Every Patient Should Know

Robotic Surgery | Posted on 12/04/2023 by RBH

Introduction

The surgical field has seen an outstanding shift in recent years when it comes to innovative clinical technologies and techniques. Robotic surgery is the emergence of the most revolutionary advances in the realm of healthcare. This surgical approach is the refined method combining the precision and know-how of highly qualified surgeons. This noteworthy combination of human brains and state-of-the-art technology offers new opportunities and hope for patients fighting cancer. 

Cancer is a formidable enemy that has touched the lives of innumerable people and their families. It has always been the emphasis for researchers.

If you are diagnosed with cancer and looking for treatment, book your appointment with CK Birla Hospital in Jaipur, one of the best multispeciality hospitals. It is the first private hospital to offer robotic surgery services. You will find the most experienced and highly skilled surgeons here. 

In this blog, we will discuss robotic surgery for cancer patients, its applications, procedures, and the benefits it offers. However, kindly note that the information provided is research-based and we do not in any way interrupt the doctor’s consultation. 

Advantages of Robotic Surgery in Cancer Patients

Robotic surgery offers various benefits to cancer patients and is becoming popular rapidly in the oncology field. Here are some of its advantages:

• Accuracy and precision: Surgeons get a high level of accuracy and precision with robotic surgery. They can perform the surgery successfully with enhanced dexterity, and motion range. Precision and accuracy are significant in cancer surgeries as robotic methods involve tumor removal while maintaining healthy tissue is crucial. 
• Minimal invasive approach: Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that implies smaller incisions are made than the conventional surgery type. It means that the patient doesn’t experience much pain, has fewer hospital stays, quick recovery, and minimal risk of infection. Robotic surgery is specifically advantageous for cancer patients with weak immune systems or who are fragile.
• Minimal blood loss: Robotic surgery offers outstanding visualization allowing the surgeons to control bleeding efficiently. It is important for cancer patients who have blood-related problems or might be at risk of complications because of excessive bleeding. 
• Less scarring: Robotic surgery involves smaller incisions which means smaller scars. For cancer patients, who might be experiencing body image and self-confidence issues, robotic surgery plays an important role. 
• Quick recovery time: With robotic surgery, patients get the benefit of quick recovery time when compared to the traditional method. Patients can return to their regular schedules and treatments smoothly like for cancer patients, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. 
• Less pain: Since robotic surgery is minimally invasive, chances of experiencing pain are minimal. It is essential for cancer patients as managing pain is always a matter of concern for them.
• Decreased risk of complications: Robotic surgery is intended in a way that offers less risk of complications like infections or hernias after surgery. This is advantageous for patients fighting cancer as they are often susceptible to such complications.
• Increased visualization- Robotic surgery has 3D high-definition images that consent surgeons to view the operation area comprehensively. It is mainly helpful for cancer surgery as tumor removal and identification can be complex sometimes.
• Adjuvant therapies: Faster recovery allows cancer patients to begin adjuvant therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy sooner, possibly enhancing the outcomes. 
• Complex procedures: Robotic surgery can play a vital role in performing complex procedures like multiple organs or areas that are difficult to reach.

Types of cancer treated with Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is useful in treating various types of cancer such as:

• Prostate cancer- Robotic surgery is the most common method used to treat prostate cancer to achieve precision and reduced side effects.
• Gynecological cancers- Helps to treat ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. Robotic-assisted hysterectomy and lymph node dissection are usually involved in performing these surgeries.
• Colorectal cancer- Robotic surgery is used to perform colectomy or rectal resection. 
• Head and neck cancer- Assist in treating head and neck cancer, including tongue and throat cancer.
• Lung cancer- Robotic surgery is used to perform lobectomy or tumor removal for lung cancer treatment
• Kidney cancer- Robotic-assisted nephrectomy is involved in treating kidney cancers.
• Liver cancer- Robotic surgery is involved in procedures like ablation or liver resection in treating liver cancer.
• Pancreatic cancer- Robotic-assisted distal pancreatectomy helps in treating pancreatic cancers. 
• Bladder cancer- This cancer is treated by robotic-assisted cystectomy. 
• Urological cancers- Robotic surgery is also involved in treating urological cancers like bladder and kidney in addition to prostate cancer.

Preparing for Robotic Surgery

The surgeon will provide cancer patients with particular instructions to understand how they can prepare for the cancer surgery. Here are some of the common steps to be followed while preparing for the surgery:

• The patient must ensure completing the required preoperating test at least a week before the surgery. It might include blood tests, chest X-rays, EKG, and another diagnostic test as per the recommendation.
• Cancer patients must ensure that they have stopped taking medications like blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory medications ten days before the surgery. The surgeon will give the patient instructions when the patient must start vitamins and other supplements. 
• Depending on the surgery type, the doctor might guide the patient about using enema, laxatives, or colon preparations the day before the surgery. 
• The patient should not eat or drink at least eight hours before the procedure. However, the doctor might allow the patient to take medicine with water only if required. 

The Robotic Surgery procedure for cancer patients

There are steps followed to complete the surgery for cancer patients successfully. Here is how robotic surgery for cancer patients is usually initiated:

• Preoperative planning: The surgeon first ensures reviewing the medical history of a patient, performing diagnostic tests, and planning the surgery. 
• Anesthesia- In the next step, the patient is given general anesthesia so that the procedure is pain-free. 
• Setting up the robot- The surgical team ensures the preparation of the robotic system and positions its arms and camera in the operation area.
• Incisions- The procedure is initiated by making small incisions in the body so that surgical instrument insertion and the camera process are smooth. 
• Surgeon control- The robot is controlled by a surgeon who sits at a console and controls the robot's arms. The surgeon’s hand movements are translated by the system into precise and steady motions for the robot. 
• Procedure- The surgeon initiates performing surgery with the involvement of a robot and 3D visualization to instruct them. 
• Closure- Once the surgery is done, the surgeon will ensure the removal of the instrument and closing of the incisions.
• Recovery- Patients often experience reduced pain and scarring than traditional surgery and also shorter hospital stays.

Risks and considerations

Certain risks and considerations are linked with robotic surgery for cancer patients like any other medical procedure. It is vital to talk to your doctor to understand the risks and complications. Here are some of them:

• Robotic surgery requires specialized training with extensive experience 
• Some of the complications might involve infections and injury to organs or blood vessels.
• The lack of haptic feedback makes it difficult for the surgeon to identify the difference in stiffness or tissue texture.
• Technical failures are another risk of robotic surgery. 
• It is more expensive than conventional surgery 
• Robotic procedures might take longer than conventional surgical procedures
• Sometimes robotic surgery doesn’t provide as much access to the surgeons and they might have to shift to traditional surgery in between the procedures.
• Not every cancer patient is right for robotic surgery. Factors like tumor location, size, overall health, etc. can impact eligibility.

Conclusion

Robotic surgery is one of the best treatment methods to treat different cancer types. However, it is important to work with your doctor and understand whether this new type of method can be considered in your case or not. Robotic surgery is not meant for every cancer type and there are certain factors linked such as tumor location, size, removal, etc. Your surgeon can tell you which surgical procedure would be the right option for your cancer type. You can always consider a second opinion if you are not able to decide. However, kindly make sure to understand the process, pros and cons, including risks and complications that are associated with robotic surgery. 

FAQ -

 

Does robotic surgery reduce recovery time?

Yes, robotic surgery offers quicker recovery time than traditional surgery. 

What questions might a patient ask when considering robotic surgery?

You can questions like how much time the surgery takes, understand benefits and risks, ask questions about recovery time and how the procedure is performed. 

In which types of cancer is robotic surgery commonly used?

Different types of cancer can be treated with robotic surgery such as urological cancer, pancreatic cancer, gynecological cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, etc. 

Is it advisable to seek a second opinion before undergoing robotic surgery?

Yes, you can seek a second opinion before undergoing robotic surgery. Make sure to choose the hospital with advanced treatment options.