Robotic surgery has come a long way. It has started to transform modern medicine by providing finer precision and control, while ensuring superior results in various surgical interventions. Not in all areas as of yet. But the future is bright. Advanced robotic technology combined with a surgeon’s expertise makes operations more precise and effective in many instances than was previously possible because they were considered too challenging or dangerous.
The concept of robotic surgery began to take shape in the late 20th century and improved markedly in the 1980s and 1990s. The first robotic surgical system to be approved by the FDA was the da Vinci Surgical System, in the year 2000.
Precision & Control
The primary advantages of robotic surgery are enhanced precision and control. Robotic systems, such as the widely used da Vinci surgical system, allow surgeons to perform intricate movements with greater accuracy than traditional laparoscopic or open surgery methods. The robotic arms have a 360-degree range of motion, surpassing the human hand’s capabilities, which is particularly beneficial for operations in confined spaces or on delicate structures. Surgeons control these robotic arms from a console, using foot pedals and hand controls that offer a high level of dexterity and stability. To top it all off, the robot is eliminating hand tremors, ensuring precise surgical actions and thus minimising risk to the patient. It sounds promising, does it not?
Less Invasiveness
Robotic surgery can also be performed with smaller incisions compared to those made in traditional laparoscopic surgery, thus minimizing trauma to the patient. Many of the advantages associated with this minimally invasive approach include less blood loss, infection risk, and even a reduction in postoperative pain. Generally, patients heal faster, are admitted to the hospital for less time, and have less scarring. These factors allow them to get back into their routine much faster and improve their overall satisfaction with the surgical experience.
Existing Medical Robots
| Robot Name | Purpose | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Da Vinci Surgical System | Minimally invasive surgery | Robotic arms, 3D vision, precise movements |
| CyberKnife | Radiosurgery | Stereotactic radiation, image-guided targeting |
| ROSA Brain Lab | Neurosurgery | Robotic arm, navigation system, real-time imaging |
| Mako Robotic Arm System | Joint replacement surgery | Robotic arm, haptic feedback, precise bone cuts |
| RT-PCR Robot | COVID-19 testing | Automated sample processing, real-time PCR analysis |
| MAB Bot | Hospital logistics | Autonomous delivery, patient room location |
| Tugbot | Hospital logistics | Autonomous delivery, patient room location |
| Romi | Companion robot | Social interaction, medication reminders, entertainment |
| PARO | Therapeutic robot seal | Emotional support, stress reduction |
| Pepper | Receptionist robot | Customer service, information retrieval |
Improved Outcomes in Specific Procedures
There is evidence that robotic surgery has better outcomes for many surgeries, which includes studies on prostate and gynaecological surgeries. This would include robotic-assisted prostatectomies, which have become the norm because of their superior results compared with open surgeries: reduced hospital stay, less blood loss, and fewer complications.
It is also now extending into cardiothoracic surgery, among others, providing the needed ease for very complicated operations to be performed in a much safer manner. In such surgeries of the pancreas and liver, robotic systems allow for delicate motions to be achieved, which are difficult in conventional laparoscopic methods.
The Future of Robotic Surgery
The field is rapidly evolving. And the continuous advancements in technology are expected to further enhance its capabilities in the immediate future. But like any technology, it is not without challenges. The initial investment for robotic systems is currently very high, which can be prohibitive for smaller hospitals or in less affluent regions. Surgeons need specialist training to operate the robot effectively. While some procedures might be eventually quicker, setting up the robot currently, can add time to the overall surgical duration.
Despite these challenges, innovations such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and improved haptic feedback are set to refine robotic systems, making them more intuitive and adaptable to an increasing range of surgical procedures. Furthermore, with improvement in training and availability of robotic systems, utilization will likely increase, thereby extending the benefits of minimal invasive surgery to even more patients.
Robotic surgery represents a significant advancement in surgical care, providing surgeons with enhanced precision, reducing the invasiveness of procedures, and improving patient outcomes across various specialties. As technology continues to progress, the potential applications of robotic surgery are expected to grow, cementing its role as a staple in modern surgical practice.