Are robots performing surgery? Not quite. So, what exactly is robotic surgery, and how are its benefits transforming the operating room? In this blog, we'll explore the technology behind robotic surgery, highlight its benefits over traditional surgical methods, look at common misconceptions, and discuss its future role in medicine. Robotic surgery is transforming how surgeons perform procedures, offering significant benefits for patients and surgeons.
What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is minimally invasive surgery using advanced robotic systems. The robotic system features components that work together to provide greater precision and control during procedures. Below, we'll examine each of these components.
The Surgeon Console
da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgery Set Up
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
At my practice, surgeons use robotic technology for 97% of surgeries. This high percentage reflects the numerous advantages robotic surgery has over traditional surgery. The benefits of robotic surgery are significant for both patients and surgeons. Let's dive into some of the key reasons why robotic surgery has become the preferred approach in the operating room.
Minimally Invasive Nature
A major advantage of robotic surgery is its minimally invasive nature. Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery is performed using small incisions. Instead of making large incisions, surgeons can make small, precise cuts. This leads to reduced pain, less scarring, a lower risk of infection, and shorter recovery times.
Improved Patient Outcomes
Robotic surgery offers faster recovery times, allowing patients to return to normal activities much faster than traditional surgery. It rarely requires large incisions, which minimizes complications and shortens hospital stays. As a result, patients can get back to their daily lives more quickly. While traditional surgery typically requires 4-6 weeks off work, recovery time with robotic surgery is often just 1-2 weeks.
Precision and Accuracy
Robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform intricate and complex procedures with high precision using robotic instruments controlled through the computer interface. These tools, which are just 5 mm in size, can access tight spaces within the abdomen, allowing surgeons to conduct delicate surgeries without needing large incisions.
Enhanced Visualization
Robotic technology provides surgeons with 3D vision, whereas traditional laparoscopic surgery uses 2D vision. This 3D view gives surgeons more depth perception, a major advantage over traditional laparoscopy. The high-quality cameras used in robotic surgery provide surgeons with a clearer and more detailed image, similar to modern TVs. This benefit of robotic surgery further enhances a surgeon's precision during procedures.
Reduced Surgeon Fatigue
In traditional surgery, surgeons often stand for long periods in uncomfortable positions, which takes a toll on their bodies. Robotic surgery allows surgeons to sit and relax in the console, eliminating fatigue. This reduction in physical and mental exhaustion helps maintain high-performance levels, enhancing the surgeon's well-being and patient safety. Ultimately, robotic surgery contributes to better outcomes and a safer surgical environment by addressing surgeon fatigue.
Who's in Control? Misconceptions About Robotic Surgery
While there are many benefits of robotic surgery, there are also many misconceptions about it. The most common misconception is that the robot performs the surgery rather than the surgeon. In reality, the surgeon is in full control, operating the robotic instruments from the console. I often hear patients ask, "Are you actually doing my surgery?" The answer is yes; the surgeon is performing the procedure.
Another misconception is that robotic surgery is a new technology, which isn't true. Robotic surgery has been around for decades, first used in the 1980s, and has a solid track record for safety and effectiveness across various procedures.
Robotic surgery has become a valuable tool across various medical specialties, including general, orthopedics, urology, and gynecology. Any surgery that is traditionally minimally invasive or laparoscopic can be performed robotically.
Despite the general consensus, not everyone is a suitable candidate for robotic surgery. Surgeons must carefully consider factors like overall health, medical history, and the type of surgery to determine if robotic techniques are the best option for each individual.
Before undergoing robotic surgery, it's important to ask the right questions to make sure it's the best approach for you. To know what questions you should ask your surgeon, read my blog here.
Lastly, there's a misconception that surgeons don't need as much skill or extensive training to operate a robotic surgical system. In reality, surgeons require extensive training and skill to operate robotically. The robot does not replace a highly trained and skilled surgeon and only enhances their abilities.
Learning to use robotic systems takes time. I first started twenty years ago. Today, it feels like second nature to me, but surgeons who are new to learning the robot face a learning curve as it takes time for them to adjust to this type of surgery. Despite this, robotic surgery is becoming increasingly the standard of care for many procedures today.
The Future of Robotic Surgery
As I mentioned, I've been performing robotic surgery for about 20 years, and the technology has advanced significantly during that time. I began in robotic surgery with the S Robot and have since moved through several versions to the most recent, the DV5 (da Vinci robot). My hospital in Neenah, Wisconsin, was the first in our area to receive two of these robots. It is exciting because the da Vinci robot 5 has new advantages over its predecessor, most notably enhanced software allowing the surgeon more control and precision during surgery.Additionally, the da Vinci robot 5 introduces haptic (or force) feedback, which allows surgeons to "feel" how much pressure they're applying to tissue. Previous versions lacked this, which is especially helpful for newer surgeons still learning the system.
Robotic surgery, like any technology, is constantly evolving to improve surgical outcomes for surgeons and their patients. If you'd like to learn more about the future of robotic surgery and how I'm working to educate more surgeons, check out my blog on the future of robotic surgery and surgeon training.
Elevating the Standard of Care
As the current medical director for robotic surgery at Theda Clark Health Systems, I am deeply passionate about advancing this technology and making it more accessible. I've been at the forefront of robotic surgery in my area, continuing the work I began with my father before he passed.
Robotic surgery is elevating the standard of care for patients. From being less invasive to offering quicker recovery times, the benefits of robotic surgery surpass traditional surgical methods, and these advantages only improve as the technology evolves.
My goal is to provide care beyond the visit, which is why I've led the charge for 24/7 access to robotic surgery at all hospitals. In addition to performing surgeries, I teach surgeons nationwide to ensure more patients can benefit from this revolutionary technology. Everyone deserves access to the highest standard of care, including robotic surgery.