Robotic Cholecystectomy

Millions of people throughout the globe are suffering from gallbladder diseases, especially gallstones. Surgery often remains the last option for those who are afflicted with recurrent bouts of pain in the gallbladder, infections, or complications resulting from gallstones. Though successful, traditional open surgery would require bigger incisions, longer recovery times, and a greater potential for discomfort. However, with the much improved medical technology, more and more patients are given the chance to opt for a minimally invasive procedure called Robotic Cholecystectomy.

What is Robotic Cholecystectomy?

Robotic cholecystectomy is one of the most advanced surgical techniques for the removal of gallbladders. The robotics technology used increases precision and decreases risks during the surgery. A surgeon controls a robotic system that performs the gallbladder removal surgery, also known as Cholecystectomy, often used in gallstone-related conditions. This is the evolution of the laparoscopic procedure, which has been widely performed over the last decades. Introducing robotic assistance makes this an even less invasive procedure that provides greater benefits than the conventional technique.

Understanding Gallbladder Removal Surgery

The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver. It is used as a storage container for bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats. Formed gallstones may cause complete obstruction of the bile ducts, resulting in acute severe pain, infection, or other serious complications inside the gallbladder. In such circumstances, the gallbladder has to be removed by a procedure called cholecystectomy.

Traditionally, cholecystectomy was performed through open surgery in which the abdomen was opened. Most of the patients are now treated with minimally invasive cholecystectomy. Minimally invasive approaches can include both laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Modern techniques include using special instruments or small incisions to perform surgery, meaning a quicker recovery, minimal scarring, and less pain.

Robotic Surgery for Gallstones

Robotic cholecystectomy is a real game-changer for patients in need of removal of the gallbladder for gallstones. In this technique, the robotic arms mimic the movements of a surgeon’s hands with greater agility and provide more precision than laparoscopic surgery. A high-definition 3D camera attaches to the robotic system to give the surgeon a magnified view of the surgical area and allow intricate movements with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Because of anatomical constraints or the severity of the problem, traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be more difficult in more complex gallstone treatment instances. In these situations, this method is very helpful. Robotics can help lower the risk of complications and improve surgical results by providing increased control and vision.

The Cholecystectomy Procedure: Step by Step

• Preparation: The patient undergoes a detailed evaluation, including blood tests & imaging studies, to assess the gallbladder and surrounding organs.
• Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia will be administered to ensure comfort during the procedure.
• Surgical Process: Incision is made through small openings in the abdomen, and robotic arms that carry surgical instruments puncture the abdominal cavity.
• Completion: The wounds are closed by sutures or surgical glue. It takes around 1-2 hours.
• Post-operative recovery: Patients are observed after the surgery and are allowed to go home within the same day. Most patients go about their daily activities in a week and get complete recovery within 2-4 weeks.

The Advantages of Robotic Gallbladder Surgery

Robotic gallbladder surgery has several benefits compared to traditional open surgery and even traditional laparoscopic methods. Among the main advantages of the procedure include the following:

• Precision and Accuracy: The robotic system operates with highly accurate movements, thus lessening the risk of causing tissue and organ injury.
• Smaller Incisions: Like in the case of laparoscopic gallbladder removal, the robotic removal is minimally invasive and makes smaller incisions that will result in less pain after the surgery, more minimal scarring, and quicker recovery time
• 3D High-Definition View: Surgeons benefit from a three-dimensional, high-definition view of the surgical site, improving their ability to perform delicate manoeuvres and making the surgery safer overall.
• Reduced Blood Loss: Smaller cuts and more accuracy mean that the whole process of surgery often will result in less loss of blood during the procedure and thus better recovery from surgery.
• Faster Recovery and Shorter Hospital Stays: Patients under robotic cholecystectomy recover fast and, thus, can return to their normal activities sooner. In many cases, patients can be discharged on the same day as the procedure.
• Less Postoperative Pain: Here, the minimally invasive nature of the procedure means that patients often experience less pain after surgery than they would from open surgery.

Who is a Candidate for Robotic Cholecystectomy?

While robotic gallbladder surgery can be done on many patients with gallbladder diseases, it is not appropriate for every patient. Ideal candidates include those with gallstones, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), or other gallbladder-related disorders that require gallbladder removal treatment. Patients with specific medical conditions or previous abdominal surgeries are not appropriate for this procedure.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment option based on the individual’s specific medical condition. In cases where laparoscopic gallbladder removal might not be feasible due to complications, the robotic approach can offer a safer and most effective alternative.

Robotic Cholecystectomy at Apollo Hospitals

With most complex surgeries, Apollo Hospitals has set the benchmark in the cholecystectomy robotic procedure. With state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled surgeons, Apollo Hospitals ensures that patients always receive the best possible care for their gallbladder removal treatment. By utilising cutting-edge robotic systems, the hospital offers minimally invasive procedures that often result in quicker recovery times and better outcomes for patients.