Robotic surgery is a modern and advanced technique that utilizes surgical arms, unique cameras, and consoles to enhance surgeons' visualization and control during various procedures across different surgical specialties. Doctors undergo specialized training, such as minimally invasive fellowships, to become proficient in this technique. It has been widely used in urology, gynecology, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and colorectal surgery, among others, for specific procedures like atrial septal defect repair, cardiac tumor removal, mitral valve repair, colectomy, proctectomy, and many more.
Regarding atrial septal defect repair, robotic surgery can be performed under beating or non-beating heart circumstances. However, stroke risk is associated with the beating heart approach. In a study where the da Vinci robotic surgical system was used, 27 procedures were done with a beating heart, and 18 were done with an arrested or fibrillating heart. All patients could recover with no significant complications, demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of robotic surgery in repairing atrial septal defects even under beating heart circumstances.
Robotic surgery offers several advantages in cardiac procedures like cardiac tumor removal. Using small incisions, an endoscope (camera), and a surgeon's control over the robotic arms results in less scarring, reduced risks of movement of other tissues/organs, and fewer complications. Similarly, in procedures like sural nerve grafting, da Vinci's robotic surgery is used to procure and place the sural nerve precisely and accurately. The da Vinci surgical system has an advanced automated platform with 3D high-definition views, a console, and small instruments for doctors to use.
In procedures like sural nerve grafting, da Vinci's robotic surgery facilitates the grafting process. For example, during a laparoscopy, a segment of the sural nerve, approximately 10-15 cm, is procured from the left calf. The da Vinci robotic system allows surgeons to place the graft precisely and accurately using 4-6 interrupted stitches of 6-7 sutures. This advanced mechanical approach enhances the surgeon's control and visualization, improving outcomes in sural nerve grafting procedures.
Robotic surgery provides numerous benefits, including smaller incisions, reduced pain, decreased blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and minor scars. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Not all doctors have received the necessary training to perform robotic procedures, and acquiring and maintaining mechanical equipment can be costly, limiting access to this technology. Additionally, although rare, there is a risk of nerve damage, compression, and malfunctions in the robotic system.
It's important to note that robotic surgery is continually advancing, and specific risks and benefits may vary depending on the procedure and individual patient factors. Almost any surgical procedure has pros and cons, but with technology advancing, there are now different associated risks.
Would you trust robotic surgery?
Yes
Yes, but only in the future when more advancements are made
No, too dangerous
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22178-robotic-surgery
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Recent-Advances-in-Robotic-Surgery.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824649/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17441-robotically-assisted-removal-of-cardiac-tumors#:~:text=Robotically%20assisted%20removal%20of%20heart,tools%20connected%20to%20robotic%20arms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12913728/
https://www.intuitive.com/en-us/patients/da-vinci-robotic-surgery
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