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Robot-assisted surgery is shaking things up in today’s medical world. It’s like giving surgeons a superpower to carry out complex procedures with fantastic precision, something you don’t get with old-school surgery. This fancy tech is mainly used for surgeries requiring tiny incisions, less pain, and quicker healing. And guess what? It’s even making its way into some more traditional surgeries requiring more significant cuts. It’s changing the game in the operating room!
At the heart of this advanced surgical system is a setup with a camera arm and several robotic arms fitted with surgical instruments. The surgeon operates these arms from a specially designed computer console close to the operating table. This console gives the surgeon a detailed, high-definition, three-dimensional view of the surgical area. The surgeon isn’t alone in this; a dedicated team works alongside, helping to ensure the operation goes smoothly from start to finish.
How does Robotics equipment work?
In robotic surgery, the future has arrived in the operating room. The setup includes mechanical arms doing the surgery, one holding a camera for a close-up view and the others wielding the tiny surgical tools. The surgeon is in control, sitting at a console close to the action. They manage these arms, getting a 3D high-definition view of what’s happening inside the patient.
What can be treated with Robotics surgery?
Robotic surgery isn’t just a one-trick pony; doctors use it to treat a range of health problems. For starters, it’s making waves in dealing with digestive system issues. Think about troubles in your colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, oesophagus, stomach and pancreas. Robotic surgery’s got them covered. It even helps people who struggle with swallowing, known as achalasia and is handy for fixing hernias.
Then there are the genitourinary tract issues such as:
1.Pelvic prolapse
2.Fibroids
3.Endometriosis
4.Hysterectomies
Not to mention sorting out problems with the prostate, kidneys, adrenal glands, or bladder – this high-tech surgery is on it.
And that’s not all. It’s a big help for neurological conditions like degenerative disk disease, herniated disks, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis. Plus, it steps up for head and neck issues, tackling everything from cancer and sleep apnea to tonsillitis, laryngeal cleft, and removing tumours.
Robotic surgery is also making a name for itself in treating obesity with procedures like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries, and it’s breaking ground in managing heart and lung conditions, too.
Types of Robotic Surgery Equipment
Da Vinci by Intuitive Surgical
In 2000, Intuitive Surgical made history with its da Vinci Surgical System. It was the first-ever robotic surgery device to get the FDA’s green light for general laparoscopic surgeries. This was a big deal in the medical world, marking the start of a new era in surgical technology.
Ion by Intuitive Surgical
In February 2019, Intuitive Surgical hit another milestone with its Ion system. This nifty piece of robotic technology got the go-ahead from the FDA, a 510(k) clearance. Ion is specially crafted to be an automated endoluminal system. What’s cool about it is that it lets surgeons do minimally invasive biopsies way deep inside the lung. It’s like they’ve got a high-tech helper for reaching those tricky spots!
Mako by Stryker
Stryker’s Mako System is this excellent robot-assisted surgical tool that’s shaking things up in the world of orthopaedic surgery. Right now, it’s making waves with its ability to assist in partial knee replacements, total hip replacements, and even total knee operations. It’s like having a high-tech assistant in the operating room!
NAVIO by Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew’s NAVIO Surgical System is another excellent player in the robotic surgery game. It’s there to lend a high-tech hand with total knee replacements. But here’s the twist – it doesn’t rely on CT scans done before the operation. Instead, NAVIO maps out the bone in the middle of the surgery, creating a 3D model of the bone structure on the spot. It’s like having a real-time GPS for knee surgery!
Benefits of Usage of Robotic Equipment in Surgery
Opting for robotic-assisted surgery comes with a bunch of perks. For starters, you’re likely looking at a quicker bounce-back time post-surgery. Plus, it’s a win-win because your surgeon gets a clear, magnified view of what’s happening, which means they can be extra precise with their moves. And there’s more:
1. Your surgeon can manoeuvre with more freedom and precision.
2.They get an up-close, high-res picture of the surgery site.
3.They can reach the operation area more easily.
4. There’s a lower chance of hiccups during the operation.
5. You can expect a shorter stay in the hospital.
6. It lowers the risk of catching an infection.
7 .You lose less blood, reducing the need for blood transfusions.
8. There’s generally less pain involved.
9. You’ll recover faster and get back to your daily life quicker.
10. It’s like giving your surgery an upgrade!
Cons of using Robotics equipment in surgery
Sure, robotic-assisted surgery sounds impressive, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Access and Training: This tech is only at hospitals that can afford it, and you need trained surgeons to use it.
Plan B: If things get complicated during the surgery, like from old scar tissue, the surgeon might need to switch to a traditional open surgery with more significant cuts.
Nerve Risks: There’s a slight chance of nerve damage or compression during the operation.
Tech Hiccups: Robotic malfunctions are sporadic, but just like any machine, they can happen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, robotic-assisted surgery is revolutionising the medical field by offering surgeons unparalleled precision and patients a host of benefits, from quicker recovery times to reduced blood loss. Systems like Da Vinci, Ion, Mako, and NAVIO are expanding the scope of applications across diverse medical specialties.
Despite the advantages, challenges such as limited access, the need for specialised training, potential nerve risks, and occasional technical malfunctions exist. Nevertheless, robotic surgery stands as a transformative force, blending technological innovation with improved postoperative outcomes and shaping the future of surgical interventions.
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