What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery, also referred to as robot-assisted surgery, is a technologically advanced way of performing minimally invasive procedures. It has transformed modern surgery, allowing complex procedures to be carried out with greater precision and control than ever before.

In this article, we explore robotic surgery and answer some commonly asked questions about the approach.

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive approach to complex surgery. The surgeon controls a robotic system, which consists of a 3D camera and thin robotic arms with surgical instruments attached, via a computer, to perform intricate procedures with enhanced precision, control and flexibility. As a result, many complex surgeries require smaller incisions allowing for a faster recovery. Many of the complex operations would have otherwise been performed with the conventional open technique, leading to longer recovery times and more complications.

Does a robot perform the surgery?

No, the robot doesn’t perform the surgery autonomously or replace the role of the surgeon in any way. The surgeon is in control of the procedure the entire time, operating the surgical arms via the computer console. The robotic arms act as an extension of the surgeon’s own, with the computer allowing them to control movements in the most delicate way.

A robot never operates independently of the surgeon – it acts solely as an extension of their hands to enhance their skills.

How does the surgeon control the robot?

The surgeon controls the robot via a specialized computer console, which is positioned close to the patient. Robotic surgery systems feature a console, with a magnified, high-definition screen, which shows a 3D view inside the patient’s body, creating an immersive experience for the surgeon.

Hand, finger and foot control pedals, which control the instruments, mimic the surgeon’s exact movements into real-time micro-actions, and precisely control the actions of the robotic arms. Motion scaling technology means that if the surgeon moves their hand a few centimeters, the computer scales it down so that the robotic arm moves only a few millimeters inside the patient. This allows for precision surgery in difficult parts of the body while protecting critical structures in the field of surgery.

Robotic systems feature additional technology to further enhance their capabilities. For example, tremor filtering can eliminate natural physiologic tremor.

Which procedures can be performed robotically?

Robotic surgery is performed across many specialties, particularly when surgery requires a high degree of precision to navigate hard-to-access areas and minimize damage to nearby tissue.

The most common robotic-assisted procedures include:

• Bariatric surgeries
• Colorectal surgeries
• Complex tumor removal
• Gallbladder removal
• Gynecologic surgeries
• Heart bypass surgery
• Heart valve repair or replacement
• Hernia repair
• Lung surgery
• Prostate cancer surgery
• Urological surgeries

Is robotic surgery better than traditional surgery?

Robotic surgery can offer advantages over traditional surgery for certain procedures. This includes procedures that require a high degree of precision, those in small or delicate parts of the body, or when surrounding tissue needs to be preserved.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery allows intricate and complex operations to be performed in minimally invasive ways, meaning the procedure is less invasive and may offer benefit associated with minimally invasive surgery.

Key benefits of robotic surgery include:

• Minimally invasive: Very small instruments, rather than a surgeon’s hands, go inside the body, meaning incisions are tiny.
• Faster recovery: As procedures are minimally invasive, the body may recover quicker.
• Less trauma: Smaller incisions also mean less trauma to the body, and much smaller scars that heal quickly, resulting in faster recovery.
• Less pain: Small incisions may mean that less pain and discomfort.
• Reduced infection risk: As the procedure is minimally invasive, the risk of infection and associated complications are reduced.
• Improved surgical precision: The enhanced view and precise control of the instruments may help surgeons performs complex procedures with greater precision.

Who is a candidate for robotic surgery?

Candidacy for robotic surgery first depends on the specific procedure that you require.

If you are a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure, and you can tolerate general anesthesia, then you may be eligible for robotic surgery. Many other factors will be taken into consideration, such as your age, overall health, anatomy and medical history.

What should I consider when choosing robotic surgery?

It’s natural to have questions or concerns when considering robotic surgery. Talk to your doctor and he/she will answer all of your questions and help you decide if it is right for you.

Remember, only robotic surgery trained surgeons are certified to perform these surgeries. They will be in control of the system the entire time, with the robotic arms enhancing their control and allowing precise movement of the instruments.