Overview

Robotic surgery is where doctors perform complex procedures with greater precision, flexibility, and control than traditional techniques. Robotic surgery often involves minimally invasive surgery performed through small incisions. However, it is also sometimes used in some traditional open surgical procedures.

The most commonly used clinical robotic surgery systems include a camera arm and a robotic arm with attached surgical instruments. Robotic surgery is a breakthrough in minimally invasive surgery representing an evolution of practice in many disciplines. This write-up will discuss the technological aspects of robotic surgery.

Why is it done?

Surgeons using robotic systems find that in many procedures, it improves precision, flexibility, and control during procedures and allows them to better visualise the surgical site compared to traditional techniques. His technology assists the surgeon with greater precision, flexibility, and control during the procedure. Robotic surgery is performed for a variety of reasons, including:

- Increased precision: The robotic arms used in surgery have a higher level of precision than human hands, which allows for more accurate and precise movements during the procedure.
- Minimally invasive: Robotic surgery is typically performed through small incisions, which means less trauma to the body and a faster recovery time for the patient.
- Reduced blood loss: Because robotic surgery is less invasive, there is typically less blood loss during the procedure.
- Faster recovery time: Robotic surgery often results in faster recovery than traditional surgery, allowing patients to return to normal activities sooner.
- Reduced scarring: Because robotic surgery is performed through small incisions, there is typically less scarring than in traditional surgery.

What surgery can be performed with Robotic Surgery

Robotic or robot-assisted surgery involves using a surgical robot to perform minimally invasive procedures. Robotic surgery can be used for a wide range of procedures, including:

- Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the prostate gland for prostate cancer.
- Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of a woman's uterus and sometimes other reproductive organs.
- Myomectomy: Surgical removal of uterine fibroids.
- Colorectal surgery: Surgery involving the colon and rectum.
- Cardiothoracic surgery: Surgery involving the heart and lungs.
- Head and neck surgery involves the throat, larynx, and mouth.
- Orthopaedic surgery: Surgery involving the bones and joints.
- Gynecologic surgery: Surgery involving the female reproductive system.
- Urologic surgery: Surgery involving the urinary system.
- Gallbladder surgery: Surgery involving the gallbladder.

Robotic surgery is also used in paediatric surgeries, such as repairing congenital heart defects. However, the availability of robotic surgery may depend on the specific hospital and surgeon.

As an example, let us consider using robotic surgery to operate on removing a cancer of the abdominal cavity. Watch this video to learn more:

Procedure

Using the da Vinci surgical system, the surgeons operate seated comfortably at a console while viewing a high-definition, 3D image inside the patient’s body.

The entire procedure is under the control of a surgeon. We can see a display around the surgeon’s console, which has every specification that the surgeons can control to maintain the procedure's safety.

There are three components of the robotic surgical system.

Vision cart with the display monitor- This is where the image is displayed on a monitor in 2-d format. Notifications are shown on the side of the monitor to display any error during the surgical performance, and accordingly, it is rectified.

Patient cart with the robotic arms- It comes close to the operation theatre table where the patient is lying down. With the help of robotic arms and through four holes, the robotic instruments go inside the patient’s abdomen, and these instruments can be controlled with the help of controllers.

There are four robotic arms; One of these arms is used for the endoscope or the camera, which goes inside the abdomen and captures a 3d image. We call this a robotic endoscope; the best part of this scope is the stereoscopic vision(very similar to a human eye but with higher precision). It has a special light source called infrared light or the firefly technology for which we can illuminate the cancer cell and the cancerous tissues. The good part about them is they can be rotated to any possible degree. The other arms help the surgeon perform the surgery.

Surgeon’s Console- This is where the surgeon controls the surgery. He is able to see the operative field in a 3d format. The controllers help in the movement of robotic instruments/arms inside the abdominal cavity. With this, we can understand that the entire procedure is under the control of the surgeon. Delicate unreachable problem areas are easy to manage and treat with such an advanced surgical system.

Technological Breakthrough

Over the years, robotic surgical systems have become lighter and more comfortable for doctors. The technologies that power these systems are also improving. They've been upgraded with features like near-infrared technology and an improved 3D camera that can provide a 10x magnified view. Some of the most significant breakthroughs include:

- The miniaturisation of robotic instruments
- Haptic feedback technology.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Single-port robotic surgery
- Firefly technology to illuminate cancers

Who should not have Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is not for everyone. Some factors that might make a person unsuitable are:

- Severe obesity: People who are extremely overweight may be unable to undergo robotic surgery because of equipment limitations.
- Medical conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as severe heart or lung disease, may be unable to tolerate robotic surgery.
- Pregnancy: Robotic surgery is not recommended for pregnant women, as it may pose risks to both the mother and the foetus.
- Previous surgeries: Individuals who have had multiple abdominal surgeries may be unable to undergo robotic surgery due to the risk of scar tissue.
- Blood clotting disorders: People with blood clotting disorders may be unable to undergo robotic surgery because of the risk of excessive bleeding.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Robotic surgery is an emerging modality in many surgical specialities. It offers more advantages than other surgery methods regarding visualisation, dexterity, and ergonomics. Since introducing robotic surgery, the industry has witnessed many advancements and achievements. Robotic surgery technology will be an important part of future healthcare. Therefore, robot-assisted programs will only continue to grow.

Reference-

- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/robotic-surgery/about/
- https://academic.oup.com/jsprm/article/2022/1/snac003/6533488
- https://www.lumitex.com/blog/robotic-surgery