What is a Robotic Surgery?: Work, Procedure, Advantages
Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery where a surgeon controls sophisticated computer-enhanced technology to perform complex procedures. It combines the benefits of traditional open surgery with the precision of machine technology.
The surgeon is always in full control, and the “robot” is a tool that translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of miniaturized instruments inside the patient’s body.
How Does Robotic Surgery Work?
The robotic surgical system typically consists of three main components:
- Surgeon Console: The surgeon sits at this control center, viewing a magnified, high-definition, 3D image of the surgical field on a monitor. They use master controls (similar to joysticks) to manipulate the robotic instruments.
- Patient Cart: Positioned alongside the operating table, this cart holds four interactive mechanical arms. Three arms hold tiny surgical instruments (which have a greater range of motion than the human wrist), and the fourth holds the camera.
- Vision Cart: This component houses the video equipment and connects the console to the patient cart.
The Procedure
- A few small incisions (keyhole size) are made on the patient's body
- The slender robotic arms and the 3D camera are inserted through these small cuts
- The surgeon, sitting at the console, performs the operation by guiding the instruments. The system scales down and filters out any hand tremors, providing incredible accuracy and stability.
- The instruments and camera are removed, and the small incisions are closed.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
The enhanced capabilities of the robotic system offer significant benefits for both the surgeon and the patient:
- Greater Precision and Control for the surgeon, especially in confined or difficult-to-reach areas.
- Enhanced 3D Visualization with up to 10x magnification.
- Minimal pain after surgery and reduced blood loss.
- Smaller Scars with superior cosmetic results.
- Shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal activities.
- Lower risk of infection compared to open surgery.
Common Applications of Robotic Surgery
Robotic-assisted procedures are used across many surgical specialties for both simple and highly complex operations:
- Urology: Prostate removal (prostatectomy), kidney surgery.
- Gynecology: Hysterectomy, fibroid removal (myomectomy), endometriosis surgery.
- General Surgery: Colon and rectal surgery, hernia repair, gallbladder removal.
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: Mitral valve repair, coronary artery bypass.
Is Robotic Surgery Safe?
Yes. Robotic surgery is a safe and proven technique when performed by surgeons who have completed specialized training on the system. Like all surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia and the procedure itself, but the minimally invasive nature often leads to fewer complications and a faster overall recovery than traditional open surgery.