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As you lie on the operating table, a whirlwind of emotions consumes you. Nervousness and apprehension grip your mind as you surrender to the care of your surgical team. There are no human companions to console you, just the deafening silence and the hum of electricity. The sterile theatre, filled with robotic arms, creates a surreal atmosphere, evoking curiosity and anxiety. With each incision, discomfort and fear momentarily pierce through, yet there’s also a sense of relief, knowing that the procedure brings you closer to healing. Amidst the robotic movements, there’s a profound awareness of the delicate balance between precision and fragility. As anesthesia takes hold, emotions blur amidst the hum of machinery, mingling with hope for a successful outcome.
And that is not a part of science fiction, but the future that we expect. It might not be close, but not impossible also. With that light shed to illuminate the path, let’s now see the role of robotics in the future of surgery.
Today, robotic surgery is not even close to the fictional journey we took you through. It is a form of minimally invasive surgery that utilizes robotic systems to assist surgeons in performing surgical procedures. These systems are designed to enhance precision, flexibility, and control during surgery. The main components of a typical robotic surgical system include a console where the surgeon sits and controls the robotic arms, robotic arms equipped with surgical instruments, and a high-definition camera system that provides a magnified, 3D view of the surgical site.
During robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at the console and uses hand and foot controls to manipulate the robotic arms, which mimic the surgeon’s movements with greater dexterity and precision. The surgical instruments attached to the robotic arms are inserted into the patient’s body through small incisions, avoiding the need for a bigger incision into the body cavity.
Robotic surgery is used in a wide range of surgical specialties, including urology, gynecology, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and more. But remember this, even if we call it robotic surgery, they need skilled human surgeons who are trained in using the robotic system effectively. We have to accept the fact that Artificial intelligence is not yet developed to perform surgery on its own.
Now you might get a question about how different these robotic surgeries can be from traditional surgeries.
The differences can be discussed in several areas.
Differences between robotic surgeries and traditional surgeries
Approach and Incisions
In traditional surgery, a large incision is typically made to access the surgical site, whereas robotic surgery involves smaller, minimally invasive incisions. These smaller incisions result in reduced trauma to surrounding tissues, less blood loss, and potentially faster recovery times for patients.
Visualization
When following the usual surgical methods the surgeon has to rely on direct line-of-sight or use optical magnification devices like loupes or microscopes. In robotic surgery, a high-definition camera system provides a magnified, 3D view of the surgical site, offering enhanced visualization of tissues and structures.
Instrumentation
The surgeon has to directly manipulate surgical instruments with their hands when performing surgery without the use of robotic instruments whereas when the robotic instruments are used the surgeon sits at a console and controls robotic arms equipped with specialized surgical instruments. These instruments can rotate and bend with greater dexterity and precision than the human hand, allowing for more intricate manoeuvres.
Control and Movement
In traditional surgery, the surgeon’s movements are limited by the human hand’s natural range of motion and tactile feedback. In robotic surgery, the surgeon’s movements are translated into highly precise movements by the robotic system, allowing for greater control and accuracy during procedures.
Ergonomics
Traditional surgery often requires surgeons to stand for long periods and maintain awkward positions, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort. But when robotics are involved, the surgeon can sit comfortably at a console and operate the robotic system using hand and foot controls, leading to improved ergonomics and potentially reducing surgeon fatigue.
Training Requirements
While both traditional and robotic surgeries require extensive training, robotic surgery typically involves additional training to become proficient in using the robotic system effectively. Surgeons must undergo specific training programs and simulations to become certified in robotic surgery.
Overall, robotic surgery offers several potential advantages over traditional surgery. However, it’s essential to note that both approaches have their place in medical practice, and the choice between them depends on various factors, including the patient’s condition, the surgeon’s expertise, and the complexity of the procedure.
These factors lead us to seek answers to the question, what is the better option?
While robotic surgery offers several potential advantages over traditional surgery, it may not always be the best option for every patient or scenario. The decision between robotic surgery and traditional surgery depends on various factors, including the specific patient’s needs, the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, and the available resources.
As you now have a good understanding of robotic surgeries. Let us now see how the future of robotic surgeries will be.
The future of robotic surgery holds immense promise, as advancements in AI and machine learning integration promise even greater precision and technique refinement over time. With robotic systems becoming more versatile, the range of surgeries that can be performed robotically is expected to expand dramatically, offering patients worldwide access to specialized care.
Furthermore, the capability for remote surgery is anticipated to advance significantly, enabling surgeons to operate from different locations and extending specialized care globally. Customized patient-centric operations, facilitated by robotic imaging techniques, ensure tailored procedures for improved outcomes, while global collaboration among surgeons fosters knowledge exchange and pushes the boundaries of surgical possibilities.
Future trends include expanding robotics beyond urology and the rise of novel robots like Versius by CMR Surgical, Ottava by Johnson & Johnson, and Hugo by Medtronic. Versius is portable with an open console, Ottava aims for better patient access, and Hugo integrates AI. AI and machine learning will shape surgical training and autonomous robots, but widespread adoption may take time.
Robotic surgery’s potential in the healthcare sector is vast, with patient-centric care and quicker recovery times at the forefront of its development. Personalized procedures tailored to individual patient needs ensure increased satisfaction and reduced complications, enhancing overall patient safety. Despite initial investment costs, the long-term cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery systems is significant, making them a valuable asset in healthcare facilities worldwide. As technology advances and surgeons gain experience, robotic surgery systems become increasingly accessible, offering patients the benefits of advanced surgical techniques in various specialities.
We can now talk about a few upcoming trends in robotic surgeries.
Upcoming trends in robotic surgeries
Advancements in Miniaturization and Micro-robotics
While robotic surgery is already minimally invasive, engineers are pushing boundaries further by developing microscopic-scale robots or microbots. These microbots, smaller, swifter, and more efficient than traditional robots, hold promise not only in surgery but also in drug delivery and targeted cancer therapies. Despite their potential, micro-robotic systems encounter challenges in adapting to the human body’s complex environment, necessitating innovative approaches to overcome obstacles. Engineers anticipate that advancements in miniaturization and micro-robotics will reduce invasiveness, optimize surgical care, and streamline procedures like prostatectomies and laparoscopies.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The integration of AI and machine learning algorithms into robotic surgery is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role. These technologies offer real-time decision-making support, enhance surgical planning, and refine the precision of robotic procedures. For instance, leveraging machine learning and spectroscopy advancements could enable real-time surgical margin assessment, streamlining processes and improving efficiency in the operating room. Over the coming years, AI-driven surgical procedures, facilitated by advancements in natural language processing and computer vision, are anticipated to proliferate, further augmenting the role of robotics and AI in surgery.
Advancement of Telepresence in Surgery and Global Translation
In an era of heightened remote connectivity, the healthcare sector is poised to witness notable trends in virtual care and remote surgical interventions. Remote surgery, also known as tele surgery or telepresence, is expected to progress, enabling surgeons to perform procedures on patients in distant locations. This holds significant potential for enhancing access to healthcare, particularly in underserved rural areas lacking comprehensive medical resources. Challenges such as time lag, infrastructure costs, and cybersecurity threats must be addressed, but ongoing efforts aim to overcome these barriers. Moreover, innovative approaches to surgical training, seek to democratize surgical expertise and expand its reach across diverse global populations.
With increased competition, the costs of robotic surgery systems may decrease, but initial investments will still be high. Training programs need to integrate robotics, and evidence-based strategies must ensure patient outcomes remain a priority.
Lastly, one big question, can we trust robots?
Trust in robotic surgery varies across different procedures and robots. For intricate surgeries like mitral valve procedures, establishing trust among surgeons and patients is paramount. Conversely, minor operations may require less extensive trust-building but still necessitate assessments. Various robots, such as Da Vinci, Mazor X, Stryker Mako, and Brainlab Suite, cater to different specialities, offering surgeons varying degrees of control during procedures. As technology evolves, the role of surgeons in robotic surgeries may shift, potentially altering the landscape of liability and trust in the operating room.
Now you know how the future of robotic surgeries will be. And comment below if you have ever undergone a robotic surgery. Share your experience with the world!
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