Robotic surgery offers a myriad of benefits for surgeons and patients. With ongoing advancements, patient care is continually improving and it's also transforming the way surgeons operate. Surgeons nationwide are learning to embrace robotic surgery, ensuring more patients can benefit. In this blog, we'll look at what robotic surgery is, its impact on patient outcomes, the latest advancements, and how it's becoming more accessible.
The Future of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery was first introduced in the 1980s and has continually evolved, with each new model improving upon the last. I've been performing robotic surgeries for nearly 20 years, and the technology has advanced remarkably during that time. When I first started, I used the S Robot, followed by the SI, the X, and the XI models. Today, I work with the latest version, the da Vinci 5, which represents the newest generation of robotic surgery systems. My hospital in Neenah, Wisconsin, was the first in the region to acquire two of these advanced robots.
The Impact of Robotic Surgery on Patient Care
Robotic surgery has transformed patient care, offering numerous advantages over traditional surgery. In my practice, robotic surgery has become the preferred approach, with 97% of surgeries performed robotically. It is minimally invasive, using small incisions that result in less pain, less scarring, a lower risk of infection, and faster recovery times. Patients can often return to normal activities in just 1-2 weeks, compared to 4-6 weeks with traditional surgery.
Robotic surgery also allows surgeons to perform intricate procedures more precisely and accurately and provides enhanced visualization. Additionally, it reduces surgeon fatigue by allowing them to operate from a seated console, promoting high-performance levels and ensuring patient safety. Overall, robotic surgery improves patient outcomes and creates a safer surgical environment.
To learn what robotic surgery is, you can read more about it here.
However, not every patient is a candidate for robotic surgery. Recently, I had an emergency surgery case where traditional surgery with a large incision was necessary, as it was in the patient's best interest. Surgeons must carefully assess factors like overall health, medical history, and the type of surgery to determine whether robotic surgery is the most appropriate and safe option for each individual.
Advancements in Robotic Surgery
The future of robotic surgery and advancements in its technology are continually impacting the surgical field. For some time now, the robotic surgical system has been able to track data for surgeons, such as how long the surgery took or what instruments were used. This data allows surgeons to review their performance and identify areas for improvement.
Now, the newest model, the da Vinci 5, takes that data and provides even more feedback with its AI (artificial intelligence) computer software. This software provides the surgeon with feedback to review after every case on what parts of the surgery went well and what parts could be improved. It also takes that feedback and gives them a simulation program to practice their skills. It's truly amazing to get to this point in robotic surgery where surgeons can have immediate feedback to help them in real-time.
Robotic Surgery Set Up
Aside from advanced software, one of the more remarkable advancements with the da Vinci 5 is the introduction of haptic (or force) feedback. In traditional robotic surgery, surgeons aren't able to "feel" what they are doing and can't feel how hard they are pushing or pulling on tissue. They have to learn to rely entirely on visual cues. But now, with haptic feedback, they can sense how much pressure they're applying to tissues, reducing the risk of damage. This feedback is helpful for newer surgeons who are still adapting to robotic systems.
Robotic surgery has also become a valuable tool across various medical specialties. Any surgery that is performed minimally invasively or laparoscopically can be done robotically. It's been well-established for what we consider elective or planned surgery. What is relatively new with robotic surgery is using it in emergency general surgery, such as appendix or gallbladder removal.
What does that mean for patients in emergency situations? Surgeons in the United States perform over 75% of emergency surgeries using traditional methods that involve large incisions. This results in a longer recovery period of about 4-6 weeks, along with restrictions and potential side effects such as increased postoperative pain. In contrast, robotic emergency surgeries significantly benefit patients by reducing recovery times and minimizing side effects.
As robotic surgery advances, it's essential to focus on educating surgeons about its benefits and impact on patients. By enhancing training and access to knowledge, we can ensure that more patients benefit from robotic surgery's advantages in emergency situations and beyond.
Helping Surgeons Embrace Robotic Surgery
As the Medical Director for Robotic Surgery at ThedaCare Health, I've performed robotic surgeries for over 20 years. I've also spent the last decade teaching other surgeons for Intuitive, the company that makes robotic systems. In the beginning, this was done exclusively through lectures or talks, and then surgeons visited and observed procedures in our operating rooms. In-person observation gave them a firsthand look at robotic surgery, helping them decide if they wanted to adopt the technology in their own hospitals.
Recently, we began using new technology that allows us to teach remotely, eliminating the need for surgeons to travel or take time away from their practices. Using a platform called "The Hub," surgeons from across the country and globally can log in to observe procedures, similar to a Zoom meeting. With patient consent, I conduct "remote case observations," where surgeons can watch surgeries in real time, interact with me, ask questions, and learn. This system allows me to share expertise on-demand, offering flexibility while ensuring a secure, exclusive environment for learning without disrupting their schedules.
Showcasing Intuitive Hub and our remote case observation teaching surgeons from around the country.
During a day when I had visiting hospital personnel scheduled to see all of my robotic cases, I ended up having to do an emergency appendectomy. They were coming to see the logistics of setting up the robot and how we used the instruments. A surgeon from California had plans to observe any emergency cases that day as he was learning how to do robotic surgery in the emergency setting. When this appendectomy came up, I was able to send him a message to log in and learn how to do robotic emergency surgery in real-time.
That same day, I had another emergency robotic case, and the surgeon from California was able to log in for that case as well. This surgeon didn't have to take time away from his practice to fly across the country to learn robotic surgery.
I love teaching about robotic surgery and am proud to be one of only three surgeons in the country offering on-demand remote observation sessions. It's incredibly rewarding to train emergency surgeons and help them bring this advanced technology to their patients.
Robots for the Win
Robotic surgery has made significant strides since its debut in the 1980s, and its impact on patient outcomes continues to grow. The future of robotic surgery, shaped by advancements like haptic feedback and AI-driven performance insights, transforms patient care by offering surgeons real-time feedback to enhance their skills and reduce risks. As more surgeons train through innovative tools like remote case observations, access to robotic surgery is expanding. This ongoing education ensures that more patients will benefit from the advantages of robotic surgery.