Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery

Robotic surgery is changing surgery as we know it. The big advantage to the patient is faster return to work or activity with less pain. Minimally invasive surgery or robotic means small incisions with less pain.

This technology was originally developed for the military. It was thought that robotics could be used to operate on soldiers in the field of battle. Robotics was a great idea, but as things are with government, the budget was not there to continue.

The technology was then thought to be used in a civilian setting where it has been refined over the last 17 years.

It was first used by Gynecologic surgeons and has become a requirement for GYN residents in training to have adequate cases in this field. This reduced the complication rate with hysterectomy surgery in particular.

Urology was also an original user of this technology, especially for prostatectomy. This revolutionized this operation, having reduced the complications associated with prostate removal. Cardiothoracic surgery has moved into the arena now, accepting the benefits provided.

General surgery has been late to adapt robotics. This is partly due to training restraints and the cost of a robot. But over the last 5 years, this technology has been increasing in all kinds of surgery, including hernia, gallbladder, colon, hiatal hernia, endocrine, and other intestinal surgeries.

For the surgeon, the use of the robot gives them 3D visualization with excellent vision. It allows the surgeon to be very precise as if the surgeon's hands were inside the body to operate. This adds a great advantage for the surgeon and patient.

I was skeptical in the beginning. I read many articles and researched the robot. I attended many conferences and hands on training courses before I decided to integrate this into my practice.

I had been doing laparoscopic surgery for years. The robot gave the surgeon a more detailed and precise view and increased mobility with the body to perform a better surgery.  I saw the benefits and the outcomes for patients. With the technology, pain was less, incisions were smaller, and the operation was done at a higher level.

Remember that the robot is a tool for the surgeon to use. It is much like an instrument that makes the operation more efficient. The robot does not performed the surgery for the surgeon, but gives them a more precise tool to use.

The cost of the robot has led to setbacks and delay in integration as a whole. The cost makes health systems scrutinize this new and great technology. The cost is not to the consumer, but in the robot and equipment that must be purchased by the hospital and or system.

This is a great tool for the surgeon to use in most situations. This is cutting edge surgery and cannot be found in every community.  

Patients rave about how much shorter the recovery time is and about how minimal the pain is. Patient satisfaction is important in today’s healthcare environment and this is one way to do it.

Read more online to expand your knowledge of this great technique and tool available to surgeons and patients.