Robotic surgery uses robotic systems to assist surgeons with complex procedures. The da Vinci system is the most commonly used surgical robot. It has three components - a console where the surgeon sits, a patient-side cart with four robotic arms controlled by the surgeon, and a display for other medical staff. Robotic surgery provides benefits like improved 3D vision, more precise movements, and smaller incisions, leading to less invasive procedures and faster recovery times for patients. Robotic systems are used in various specialties like general surgery, urology, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery for procedures such as prostate removal and heart valve replacement.
2. Robotic Surgery
Significant improvements in the surgical approaches and management of diseases have
been made in the last century since the advent of antibiotics and aseptic surgical
techniques. A major revolution has happened in the last 25 years, as the focus has shifted to
minimally invasive surgery and subsequently to robotic assisted surgery. The da Vinci
system is by far the most successful surgical robot in use today.Apollo Hospitals take
pride in housing this system of robotic surgery, which has led to success in many
complicated cases.
The robotic surgical equipment has three parts.
1. Console
2. Patient‐side robotic cart with 4 arms manipulated by the surgeon (one to control
the camera and three to manipulate instruments)
3. A machine that helps in providing view to other doctors and nurses, so they can
observe the procedure
Benefits
• By looking inside the console, a surgeon is able to get a three‐dimensional view of
the patient’s internal organs, which is made possible with the help of an endoscopic
camera with high clarity. It provides relief to the surgeons as well, as they are not
required to stand over the patient for hours, bent in odd angles.
• Surgical robotic systems can augment and extend the human capabilities of
surgeons. The robot also reduces hand tremors and hence is more precise. Due to
miniaturization and addition of the “wrist” to robotic endoscopic instruments,
surgical robots have enabled procedures to be performed that are otherwise not
possible with manually controlled endoscopic instruments.
• It allows the surgeon to operate in increasingly smaller spaces, through increasingly
smaller incisions, resulting in decreased morbidity and more rapid recovery time,
translating into earlier discharge from hospital and earlier return to activity and
work, hence reducing overall cost.
Applications
A robotic platform has multiple applications and can be used by various specialties to bring
down the cost.
General/GI surgery: Whipple’s surgery, Nissen fundoplication, Heller myotomy,
Esophegectomy
Urology: Radical prostatectomy, Partial nephrectomy, Radical cystectomy, Pyeloplasty
Cardiothoracic surgery: Coronary artery bypass, Mitral valve replacement, Atrial septal
defect repair, Lung resection
Cardiology: Ablation for arrhythmias, Guided stent placement
3. Neurosurgery: Stereotactic brain surgeries, Biopsies, Tumour resection
Orthopaedics: Total knee and hip replacements, Ligament surgeries
Surgical Oncology:Abdominoperineal resection and Anterior resection for colorectal
cancers
Gynaecology: Myomectomy for fibroids, Radical hysterectomy for tumours, Ovarian
tumour removal
Radiosurgery:Cyberknife surgery