Most Common Robotic Surgery Procedures: Benefits and Risks

Robotic surgery procedures is a rapidly growing field that offers many benefits for both patients and surgeons.

Cutting-edge technology has changed the way many surgical procedures are performed. It provides better precision, reduces blood loss and pain, and increases recovery time. If you’re considering a surgical procedure, it’s important to understand the multiple options available to you, including the most common robotic surgery procedures.

One of the key benefits of robotic surgery procedures is the better precision they offer. The surgeon can operate the robot from a console, which allows for greater control and precision when performing the procedure. Also, because the incisions made during robotic surgery are smaller, patients experience less pain and have a faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.

Some of the most common Robotic Surgery Procedures include prostatectomy, hysterectomy, gastrointestinal surgery, heart surgery, and colorectal surgery. These procedures are performed using a robot-assisted surgical system, this provides the surgeon with improved visualization of the surgical site.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what robotic surgery is, the benefits it offers, and some of the most common procedures performed using this technology. Whether you’re considering a prostatectomy, hysterectomy, heart surgery, or colorectal surgery, understanding the options and benefits of robotic surgery can help you make an informed decision.

What Is Robotic Surgery:

Robotic surgery is a sort of minimally invasive surgery that uses a robotic device to execute the surgery. The technology is controlled by a surgeon from a console beside the patient, while the robot’s arms handle surgical equipment. When compared to traditional surgery, this allows for more precision and dexterity.

Robotic surgery is employed in a variety of treatments, including gynecologic, urologic, and gastrointestinal procedures. Prostatectomy, hysterectomy, heart surgery, and colorectal surgery are some of the most prevalent surgeries.

Robotic surgery can be used with conventional surgical procedures such as laparoscopy. Compared to traditional surgical approaches, robotics in surgery provides advantages such as lower blood loss, less discomfort, and a faster recovery period.

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Advantages of Robotic Surgery

There are various advantages of robotic surgery, some of them are as follows:

Enhanced precision

Increased precision is one of the most significant benefits of robotic surgery. Precision motions are possible with the robotic system that would be impossible with traditional surgical approaches. The arms of the robot can swivel 360 degrees, giving the surgeon greater dexterity and flexibility. Furthermore, the surgeon may control the instruments with millimetre precision, lowering the chance of tissue damage.

Reduced Blood Loss and Discomfort

When compared to traditional surgical approaches, robotic surgery offers the advantage of lowering blood loss and pain. The small incisions utilized in robotic surgery cause less damage to the surrounding tissue, resulting in less blood loss during the process. Also, the use of robotics allows for precise motions and reduces the danger of tissue injury, resulting in less post-operative pain for the patient.

Faster Recovery Time

Faster Recovery Time This is due to the procedure’s less invasive nature and the minor incisions required. Patients can get up and walk around more quickly, which helps to lower the risk of problems like blood clots and pneumonia. Moreover, the smaller incisions and less tissue damage mean less pain and edema, allowing for a quicker return to normal activities.

Most Common Robotic Surgery Procedures

Here are some of the most common robotic surgery procedures available.

Prostatectomy:

Prostatectomy is the removal of the prostate gland and is one of the most common procedures performed using robotic surgery. The procedure is used to treat conditions such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis. Robotic prostatectomy allows for precise removal of the prostate gland, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues such as the bladder and rectum. This results in reduced blood loss, less pain, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgical techniques.

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Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and is commonly performed using robotic surgery. The procedure is used to treat conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and uterine prolapse. Robotic hysterectomy allows for precise removal of the uterus, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and blood vessels. This results in reduced blood loss, less pain, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional techniques.

Gastrointestinal Surgery

Robotic surgery can also be used for gastrointestinal procedures such as colorectal surgery and gastrectomy (removal of the stomach). The use of robotics in these procedures allows for improved visualization and access to the surgical site, leading to improved outcomes and reduced risk of complications.

Heart Surgery

Robotic surgery is also being used increasingly in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Procedures such as mitral valve repair and atrial fibrillation ablation can be performed using robotics, providing the surgeon with greater precision and improved visualization of the surgical site.

Colorectal Surgery

Robotic colorectal surgery improves vision and access to the surgical site, lowering the risk of problems such as bleeding, harm to adjacent tissues, and the necessity for a colostomy. This surgery is often used to treat problems like colon cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Hospitals That Offer Robotic Surgery Procedures

Here are some hospitals that offer robotic surgery procedures.

The George Washington University Hospital

GW Hospital, located at George Washington University, was the first in the area to provide patients with the state-of-the-art da Vinci Surgical System for robotic surgery procedures. Today, it boasts one of the largest robotic thoracic programs globally and an effective robotic prostate cancer program in the region.

The da Vinci Surgical System boasts remarkable precision, including 3D rotation and magnification capabilities, enabling surgeons to operate in tight spaces within the body. Utilizing specialized instruments, this technology affords greater dexterity and precision in treating patients.

In 2017, the hospital expanded its robotic offerings to incorporate the innovative Medrobotics Flex Robotic System. Unlike traditional straight and rigid instruments, the MedFlex robot has a flexible design that can bend and navigate the body’s contours through natural openings.

As the sixth hospital in the US to acquire this robot, GW Hospital made history by performing the world’s first colorectal surgery using the MedFlex robot.

The system currently enables surgeons to access hard-to-reach areas via the mouth and anus. At GW Hospital, the robot is being utilized for head and neck surgery and colorectal procedures.

Address: 900 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States

Phone: +1 202-715-4000

UC Davis Health

UC Davis Health’s surgeons have earned a reputation across the US for their pioneering work in robotics, the most advanced form of minimally invasive surgical technology. The health centre offers robotic-assisted surgery in various specialities, such as gastrointestinal, cardiothoracic, gynecologic oncology, head and neck otolaryngology, and urologic surgery.

Every procedure is carried out by a team of expert surgeons, nurses, and technicians who have received specialized training in the use of robotic surgical systems.

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How Robotic Surgery is Performed

There are steps to how robotic surgery procedures are performed

Preparation for Surgery

Before undergoing a robotic surgery procedure, the patient will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure. The patient will also be given instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting and discontinuing certain medications.

Surgical Procedure

The patient is placed under general anaesthesia during the procedure. The surgeon operates the robot from a console located near the patient, while the robot’s arms manipulate the surgical instruments. The surgeon makes small incisions in the patient’s body, through which the robot’s instruments are inserted. The surgeon controls the movements of the instruments through the console, allowing for precise and minimally invasive surgery.

After the Surgery

The patient is observed in the recovery room after the procedure and then transported to a hospital room. The patient may feel some discomfort and swelling near the incision site, but pain medication can help. In addition, the patient will be given instructions on how to care for the incision site and when to return to their surgeon.

Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks of the surgery, while the actual recovery period depends on the type of procedure performed and the particular patient.

Patients should also follow all pre-operative instructions carefully and monitor their incision site for any signs of complications. By taking these steps, patients can help to ensure a successful outcome from their robotic surgery procedure.

Risks and Complications of Robotic Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with robotic surgery. Some of the most common risks include infection, bleeding, injury to surrounding structures, and reaction to anaesthesia. In rare cases, there may also be issues with the robotic system itself, such as equipment malfunction or failure.

Precautions to Reduce Risks:

To reduce the risk of complications and ensure a successful outcome, it is important to choose a highly experienced surgeon who has a proven track record in performing the type of procedure you need. Patients should also inform their surgeons of any medical conditions or allergies and follow all pre-operative instructions carefully.

Additionally, patients should closely monitor their incision site for any signs of infection and report any unusual symptoms to their surgeon promptly. By taking these precautions and working closely with their surgeon, patients can help to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a successful outcome from their robotic surgery procedure.

Conclusion

To summarize, robotic surgery procedures are a fast-emerging discipline that provides numerous advantages to patients and physicians. To get the best outcome, like with any surgical treatment, it is best to thoroughly assess the risks and advantages and select a highly competent surgeon.

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