Authored by: Xavier Louit
Art by: Anita Huan
As the influence of technology continues to grow, so does its relevance in the healthcare field. Well-known examples include advancements in medical imaging such as MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasounds, which have defined modern medicine. These technologies have proven vital in assessing and treating patients. However, that is not the extent to which technology is revolutionizing today’s medical practices. Robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform complicated procedures with greater precision and accuracy [1].
Surgical robots have arms that the surgeon can control via a remote operating system. Cameras are used so that the surgeon can see what they are doing. Early on, these cameras suffered from latency time, which meant there was a delay in receiving information. Nowadays, robot-assisted surgery is much more advanced and can make incisions as small as the diameter of a pen. In addition, the use of this surgery is becoming more common. Intuitive Surgical reports that more than 12 million robotic surgery procedures have been performed. [2]
This surgery serves to mitigate the effects of human error caused by shaky and inaccurate hand movements. Surgeons undergo specialized training in order to perform robot-assisted surgery. By allowing for more precise and accurate movements through robotic arms, surgeons can perform operations more effectively. Their hands may experience less fatigue throughout a procedure. In addition, the potential negative implications of hand fatigue on operations would also be alleviated.
Another critical factor is that robot-assisted surgery does not require large open cuts into the patient. Instead, minor cuts are made in which tools are inserted into the patient’s body. A microscopic camera is used to perform the surgery without open cuts. This procedure, used in laparoscopic surgeries, can also be referred to as minimally invasive surgery. Patients experience less pain, decreased blood loss, and lower chances of infection. These surgeries significantly reduce trauma during procedures, which allows for easier recovery.
In robot-assisted surgery, the robotic arms have seven degrees of motion, whereas traditional laparoscopic methods only allow for four degrees of motion. This allows more dexterity to the surgeon and can be easier to operate than current methods. [3] Laparoscopic methods may have less flexibility that can hinder the efficiency of a procedure. As the use of robotic arms increases, procedures have the potential to be performed with less logistical complications.
Robot-assisted surgery increases the quality of patient care, which can lead to many other positive implications on public health. Patients experience less trauma, have faster recovery times, and require less medication. These can lead to lower costs for patients and shorter hospital stays. Shorter hospital visits allow more patients to be treated and can increase public access to healthcare as a result. When more advancements are made, the widespread implementation of this technology could deeply improve patients' access and quality of care [4].
The future of this technology raises many questions and concerns over the use of robots in these procedures. However, it is unlikely that robots will replace surgeons in operations and the technology today still needs to be operated by a surgeon. Fully autonomous procedures are likely a long way off considering that current methods are being utilized much more and are likely to become increasingly effective.
Technological malfunctions, although rare, can increase the risk of a procedure. This raises concerns, as robot-assisted surgery can introduce another source of error in a procedure. [5] It also remains to be seen whether robot-assisted surgery is better than traditional laparoscopic procedures. As robot-assisted surgery becomes more implemented, we may see significant improvements in training, cost, and efficiency of these procedures in the future.
Robot-assisted surgery still has many concerns, including mechanical errors, ethical considerations, and overall value compared to traditional methods. However, surgeries can be conducted with greater precision and accuracy, potentially reducing surgical errors. These less invasive procedures can lead to faster recovery times, less need for medication, and shorter hospital stays. Robot-assisted surgery can increase the quality of patient care, reduce costs, and increase peoples’ access to healthcare. As the use of robot-assisted surgery continues to expand, it has the potential to positively impact many different aspects of healthcare.
References:
Rivero-Moreno, Y., Echevarria, S., Vidal-Valderrama, C., Pianetti, L., Cordova-Guilarte, J., Navarro-Gonzalez, J., Acevedo-Rodríguez, J., Dorado-Avila, G., Osorio-Romero, L., Chavez-Campos, C., & Acero-Alvarracín, K. (2023). Robotic Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and Current Trends. Cureus, 15(7), e42370. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.42370
McCartney, J. (2023). Robotic surgery is here to stay-and so are surgeons. Retrieved from http://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2023/may-2023-volume-108-issue-5/robotic-surgery-is-here-to-stay-and-so-are-surgeons/.
Chuchulo, A., & Ali, A. (2023, August 1). Is robotic-assisted surgery better?. Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association. https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/robotic-assisted-surgery-better/2023-08
Handa, A., Gaidhane, A., & Choudhari, S. G. (2024). Role of Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Public Health: Its Advantages and Challenges. Cureus, 16(6), e62958. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.62958
Kirkpatrick, T., & LaGrange, C. (2016). Robotic Surgery: Risks vs. Rewards. Retrieved from https://psnet.ahrq.gov/web-mm/robotic-surgery-risks-vs-rewards
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