Written by – Dr Sathish Kumar Anandan (Consultant, Surgical Oncology)
Robotic surgery is one of the most advanced technologies currently available to perform surgery. Though this technology is new to India, it has been commonly used in developed countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and others for more than 20 years.
Let’s understand the basics of Robotic surgery in common language in this brief write-up.
How were surgeries performed before robotic surgery?
Currently two modalities exist, one is time tested “Open surgery” and other is “Laparoscopic surgery”
Main problem with these modalities are delayed recovery, long hospital stay, increased blood loss in open surgery and Lack of human hand like motion, poor ergonomics, lack of 3D vision, exaggerated tremors due to long instruments, etc. in laparoscopic surgery.
Robotic surgery was discovered with the intent to solve these problems faced during conventional surgeries and to improve patient outcomes.
How robotic surgery is performed?
A small 8mm opening (the size of a fingertip) is made in the abdomen, and robotic instruments are introduced. These instruments are controlled by surgeons sitting at the robotic console.
Does the robots perform surgery independently?
NO, it is your surgeon who performs the surgery with the help of robotic arms. The surgeon sits in a console and controls the robotic arm movements.
Will my surgeon stay with me Inside the operation theatre?
Yes. He only performs your surgery, but with the help of robotic arms. If your surgeons rotates his hands inside the console, robot rotates its arms inside the patient body. This robot cannot perform or take any actions on its own. So you are in the safer hands of your surgeons all the time.
How it decreases blood loss during surgery?
Davinci Xi system gives immersive 3D vision with 10x magnification, so the surgeon can see even the minute blood vessels and control them effectively before it bleeds.
How it is better than Laparoscopic surgery?
Robotics arms got human Wrist like movement, which is not present in laparoscopic surgery. This human wrist like movement helps in performs all complex tasks and help in operating in deeper cavities and narrow spaces to completely retrieve tumour’s.
How robotic surgery fastens recovery and shortens hospital stay?
Because of its higher magnification and precise movements, it touches only the organ of interest, while sparing other organs. Thereby other nearby organs are completely safe without much interference resulting in faster recovery.
How it helps my surgeon?
Here, the operating surgeon sits comfortably in operating console and does your surgery, as opposed to open/laparoscopic surgery where he/she has to stand continuous for hours together to perform surgery. Physically comfortable and relaxed surgeon performs neat surgeries resulting in better patient outcome.
What kind of surgeries are done by Da Vinci Xi?
The Da Vinci Xi is utilized for a wide range of abdominal and thoracic surgeries, including procedures for colorectal issues, gastric concerns, gall bladder complications, reproductive organ surgeries, urinary system disorders, and various cancers.
Is it helpful in cancer patients?
It is a boon for cancer patients. Cancer surgeries are all about removing the disease completely and its probable spreading sites (Lymph nodes). Robotic surgery with its precision, magnification and finesse helps in removing cancer from the body completely with faster recovery.
Conclusion:
Robotic surgery is revolutionizing surgical practices across India. Its advantages such as smaller incisions, faster recovery times, reduced blood loss, and superior surgical outcomes mark a new era in medical excellence. By embracing robotic surgery, patients can expect safer, more efficient procedures with enhanced recovery prospects, ensuring a brighter future for surgical care. Book a consultation today to explore how robotic surgery at Apollo Medics Hospitals Lucknow can benefit you.
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