Is robotic surgery the ideal choice for a minimally invasive surgery today?

Robotic surgery, or a robot-assisted surgery, enables the doctors to perform some complex surgeries with more precision, control and flexibility than what is possible with the conventional procedures. Robotic surgeries are usually associated with minimally invasive surgery. These surgeries are performed through tiny incisions, unlike open surgeries. Though, it may also sometimes be used during certain traditional procedures in open surgeries.

About robotic surgery:

In 2000, Robotic surgery was initiated with the Da Vinci Surgical System by the Food and Drug Administration. Ever since then, the technique became quite popular and was rapidly adopted by hospitals in Europe and the United States for use in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. Today, India has three centres that have acquired robots in their surgical departments. A traditional robotic surgical system consists of a camera arm and mechanical arms that have surgical instruments attached to them. The surgeon can control the arms of the system while being seated at a computer console kept near the operating table. The console provides a magnified, high-definition, 3-D view of the site of surgery. The surgeon leads the other team members who are there to assist him during the operation.

Why is a robotic surgery important?

Surgeons who make use of the robotic systems find it extremely beneficial during operations; since it enhances precision, control and flexibility along with enabling them to examine the site even better, as compared to traditional techniques. Robotic surgery enables the surgeons to perform complicated and delicate procedures that may have been otherwise difficult or impossible to perform. Some of the robot-assisted surgeries include robotic pyeloplasty, robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, robotic total laparoscopic hysterectomy, and more.

These days, robotic surgery is the ideal choice for minimally invasive surgeries. The advantages of a minimally invasive surgery include:

1. Fewer complications, such as infections at the site of surgery
2. Less blood loss
3. Less pain
4. Quicker recovery
5. Lessor noticeable scars

What are the risks associated with a robotic surgery?

Though there are some advantages of robotic surgery over open surgery, it also has certain risks involved. Some of the risks may be similar to those of a conventional open surgery, such as risks of infection or other complications.

Is robotic surgery ideal for you?

Robotic surgery is never an option for everyone. You may consult with your doctor regarding the benefits and risks of a robotic surgery and compare it with the other traditional techniques, such as other types of a minimally invasive surgery or a conventional open surgery.

In the United States, the extent of robotic surgery used varies widely. The choice of using a robotic surgery usually depends on a variety of factors. These may include factors such as training of the physician, the availability of the equipment or other cultural factors, such as what surgeons in that area prefer and what people are most comfortable with. Studies have shown that some institutions follow a culture that prefers traditional open surgery, while others may prefer a minimally invasive surgery.

If you have any queries regarding any of the robotic surgery procedures, such as robotic total laparoscopic hysterectomy, robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, or any other robotic procedure, you may refer to websites, online portals and surgeons and get all your doubts and queries resolved.

You can learn the pros and cons of minimally invasive surgery here.