The Impact of Robotic-Assisted Surgery Devices on Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Farhana Khan Sara
- Feb 28
- 4 min read
Written By: Farhana Khan Sara
Robotic-assisted Surgery has revolutionized the landscape of minimally invasive procedures, offering a new paradigm of precision and efficiency in the operating room. Devices like the Vinci Surgical System have transformed how complex surgeries are performed, enhancing the surgeon’s ability to perform delicate operations with greater accuracy and control. These advanced robotic systems enable smaller incisions, reduced recovery times, and improved patient outcomes compared to traditional surgical methods. This article explores the evolution and impact of robotic-assisted surgery devices, examining their applications across various specialties, their benefits to patients and healthcare providers, and the challenges surrounding their adoption, including cost, training, and accessibility. As the field continues to advance, robotic surgery is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in the future of medical care.
What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic Surgery is when your surgeon uses a robotic device to perform your procedure. The device has a robotic arm that can hold small surgical instruments. The surgeon moves the robotic arm using controllers and a viewing screen. Robotic surgery does not replace the surgeon; it is just one of the methods used for better accuracy and survival rate (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
Instruments of Robotic Surgical Devices
Fig 2.1 - da Vinci Definition Surgical Robot (Image taken from World Laparoscopy Hospital)
Fig 2.2 - Robotic Endowrist Instruments (Image taken from World Laparoscopy Hospital)
Fig 2.3 - Robotic Scissors and Bipolar Dissector (Image taken from World Laparoscopy Hospital)
Fig 2.4 - Robotic Tenaculum and Grasper (Image taken from World Laparoscopy Hospital)
Fig 2.5 - Robotic Needle Holder (Image taken from World Laparoscopy Hospital)
Fig 2.6 - Robotic Atraumatic Grasper (Image taken from World Laparoscopy Hospital)
Fig 2.7 - Robotic Clip Applicator (Image taken from World Laparoscopy Hospital)
Fig 2.8 - Robotic Scissor and Maryland (Image taken from World Laparoscopy Hospital)
Other Instruments:
● Da Vinci Surgeon Console
● Patient Cart
● Seven-degree Movement (is possible)
● Da Vinci Vision Cart
Core Instruments:
● System Components
● 3D HD Vision
Main Components:
● Robotic Arms: To hold tiny instruments.
● A High-definition Camera: To provide enhanced, magnified, 3D views of the surgical
area.
● A Surgical Console: A surgeon can control the instruments and the camera’s every
move. The controls look similar to joysticks in an arcade game.
Uses of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
● General Surgeons
● Brain and Spinal Surgeons
● Cardiothoracic Surgeons
● Colorectal Surgeons
● Gastrointestinal Surgeons
● Gynecologic Surgeons
● Urologists
Examples of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
● Appendectomy
● Colectomy
● Gallbladder Removal
● Gastric Bypass
● Hernia Repair
● Hysterectomy
● Mitral Valve Repair
● Pancreatectomy
Procedure
During robotic surgery, a surgeon will:
1. Make one or more small incisions.
2. Place ports (thin tubes) through these incisions. The ports are like temporary tunnels for the surgical instruments.
3. Attach the robotic device to the ports and place instruments through them.
4. Place a long, thin camera (endoscope) through one of the ports. The camera provides
high-definition, 3D images during the performance.
5. Control the robotic arm while sitting at a console a few feet away from the patient.
6. Do the surgery.
7. Remove the surgical instruments and ports.
8. Close your incisions with sutures.
Advantages of Robotic-Assisted Surgery, Compared to Open Surgery (For Patients):
● Shorter hospitalization
● Reduced pain and discomfort
● Faster recovery time and return to normal activities
● Smaller incisions, resulting in reduced risk of infection
● Reduced blood loss and transfusion
● Minimal scarring
Advantages of Robotic-Assisted Surgery, Compared to Open Surgery (For Surgeons):
● The robotic arm’s movement has a greater range of motion than a human hand. The arm rotates instruments in tight spaces in ways that would otherwise be impossible [Enhanced
Dexterity].
● A sophisticated camera provides magnified, high-definition views of the surgical area
[Greater Visualization].
● The small incisions and instruments allow surgeons to do the entire operation inside your
body [Greater Precision].
Disadvantages of Robotic-Assisted Surgery, Compared to Open Surgery (Overall Issues):
● The service is only available in centers that have specially trained surgeons.
● Complications, such as scar tissue from a past surgery, may require the surgeon to
immediately switch to an open procedure with larger incisions and make it more
challenging for robotic surgery.
● Nerve damage and compression.
● Robotic malfunction, which is extremely rare.
● Costly than Open Surgery.
Success Rate
The overall success rate of robotic-assisted surgery is between 94% to 100% (as of now). The
success rate depends on the type of procedure, the general health, and other factors.
Recovery Time and When to Call The Doctor, After Returning Home and Going Through Side Effects?
Recovery Time -
After the successful completion of the surgery, the patient is suggested to rest in bed and stay at the hospital, until the Anesthesia completely wears off. Within a few hours of the operation, the patient is expected to be able to eat properly and is allowed to return home the same day, or the next day.
When to Call The Doctor While Going Through Side Effects?
Tell the healthcare provider right away if these symptoms are noticed immediately in the patient:
● Blood-soaked Dressings
● Fever
● Yellowish Discharge (Pus) from the Incision
● Pain that doesn’t get better with Medication
● Blood clot symptoms, like Swelling in the Groin or Lower Leg
● Nausea or Vomiting
THE FACTORS LISTED ABOVE DEPEND ON VARIOUS FACTORS SUCH AS THE TYPE
OF THE SURGERY YOU ARE GOING THROUGH AND, ETC. CONSOLE YOUR
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE IMMEDIATELY JUMPING TO ROBOTIC SURGERY.
Conclusion
In conclusion, robotic-assisted surgery has significantly advanced the field of minimally invasive procedures, offering numerous benefits to both patients and surgeons. By enhancing precision, improving visualization, and reducing recovery times, robotic systems such as the da Vinci Surgical System have transformed complex surgeries, making them safer and more efficient. These technologies allow for smaller incisions, less blood loss, and quicker recovery, leading to improved patient outcomes. While challenges such as cost, specialized training, and occasional complications remain, the continued development and adoption of robotic surgery devices are poised to play an increasingly vital role in modern healthcare. As these technologies evolve, they promise to further refine surgical techniques and enhance patient care across various medical specialties.
References
● Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Robotic Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved December 17,
2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22178-robotic-surgery
● Laparoscopy Hospital. (n.d.). Instruments used in robotic surgery. Laparoscopy Hospital.
Retrieved December 17, 2024, from
https://www.laparoscopyhospital.com/instrument-used-in-robotic-surgery.php
● UCHealth. (n.d.). Benefits of robotic surgery. UCHealth. Retrieved December 17, 2024,
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