Robots Taking Over Surgery Get Excited!
Robots Taking Over Surgery Get Excited!
Robotic Surgery: Revolutionizing the Operating Room
Sept. 26, 2023 – On her flight to Atlanta, Robin Pollack nibbled gummy bears and sipped a cranberry juice cocktail. It had been a week since she’d gotten robotic surgery to remove a cancerous stomach tumor at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and she was heading home – feeling surprisingly good.
The journey of robotic surgery began over 20 years ago, and experts believe it is now poised for significant growth. Improved accuracy, shorter recovery times, and less pain are the three main advantages that make robotic surgery an attractive option for patients.
A Patient’s Perspective
For Robin Pollack, a better post-operative quality of life was one of the many perks she experienced. After undergoing robotic surgery with only five small incisions, Robin woke up from surgery feeling hungry. Within a day, she was out of bed and walking, and within a week, she was out and about town, enjoying her favorite foods. The most astonishing part was that she didn’t experience any pain and didn’t require any pain medication.
This positive outcome is not unique to Robin. Data shows that robotic surgery reduces bleeding, scarring, and recovery time, leading to shorter hospital stays compared to traditional surgery. Furthermore, many patients who undergo robotic surgery do not need opioids or any painkillers at all.
The Surgeon’s Advantage
The benefits of robotic surgery extend beyond the patient. Surgeons also experience advantages in terms of precision and ease of operation. Dr. Naruhiko Ikoma, a surgical oncologist who performed Robin Pollack’s procedure, mentioned feeling more precise during dissection and suturing.
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In conventional operations, surgeons use instruments. However, in robotic surgery, surgeons feel like they’re operating with their own fingers, thanks to the precise tips of robot-assisted devices. This enhanced precision in surgery leads to better patient outcomes and increased surgeon confidence.
The Rise of Robotic Surgery
The increasing popularity of robotic surgery is evident in the rising number of procedures performed each year. In 2021, approximately 644,000 robotic surgeries took place in the United States alone, a number expected to reach nearly 1 million by 2028. The global market for robotic surgery reached $6.3 billion in 2022, projected to grow to $26.8 billion in the next decade.
Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci is the most widely used robotic system across the United States and in many other countries. With over 7,500 da Vinci surgical systems currently in use worldwide, this technology has revolutionized various specialties, including prostate removals, hysterectomies, bariatric surgery, hernia repair, and joint replacements.
However, Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci is not the only player in the field. Many other companies have entered the robotic surgery market, offering innovative solutions tailored to specific medical procedures. Advances in materials science have enabled the development of soft, flexible robotic systems that can navigate intricate pathways and operate on delicate tissues.
Limitless Possibilities
Robotic surgery continues to evolve, not only in terms of hardware but also in terms of the role artificial intelligence (AI) plays. Researchers and developers are using AI to make robots more autonomous, capable of performing surgical subtasks or even entire procedures. This exciting development widens the diversity of robotic technologies available and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the operating room.
Benefits for Doctors
In addition to the benefits experienced by patients, robotic surgery also empowers surgeons with enhanced capabilities. Robots mitigate any hand tremors and provide a magnified 3D view of the operation site, allowing surgeons to perform delicate and precise movements that were previously challenging.
Robotic systems have significantly improved the accuracy of spinal surgeries. By utilizing robotics, surgeons experience minimal misplacement of screws, reducing the need for revision surgeries. Additionally, the ability to map out surgeries in advance and achieve sub-millimeter accuracy around a patient’s nerves and spinal cord is invaluable for neurosurgeons.
What Patients and Doctors Should Know
Although robotic surgery offers numerous advantages, it is essential for patients and doctors to be aware of its limitations and ensure proper evaluation when considering this option. Patients should inquire about a hospital’s history with robotics and the number of procedures both the institution and the surgeon have performed. Not all surgeries are suitable for robotics, and it is crucial for patients and surgeons to discuss the pros and cons before making a decision.
Training for robotic surgery varies among surgeons. Many robotic surgeons undergo training in conventional surgical techniques before transitioning into robotic procedures. They receive education through web-based and in-person courses offered by equipment manufacturers, as well as hands-on practice using simulators and sample tissues.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its benefits, robotic surgery is not without its critics. A review of randomized trials comparing robot-assisted surgeries with traditional methods found little difference in outcomes in some cases. However, multiple recent studies support the positive outcomes of robot-assisted surgery, showcasing its benefits in various procedures.
One significant challenge facing the widespread adoption of robotic surgery is the high cost associated with robotic systems. The price tag for a da Vinci surgical system, for instance, is reported to be around $2 million. This cost consideration could limit the growth of robotic surgery in certain specialties where the return on investment may not be substantial.
The Future of Robotic Surgery
The future of robotic surgery holds even more promise. Semi-autonomous devices capable of performing surgical tasks, like holding clamps or removing damaged tissues, could become a reality in the next decade. Similar to self-driving cars, these devices will use sensors to localize themselves with respect to anatomy and map the surgical environment.
Fully autonomous robots that can perform entire procedures may also become a reality in the future. Surgeons at Johns Hopkins have already tested a new robotic technology called Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) that visualizes and plans its next surgical move in real time. The potential applications of such technology extend beyond the operating room, even enabling remote telesurgery and providing life-saving interventions during natural disasters.
Despite the advancements in robotic surgery, it is important to note that robots are not expected to replace surgeons entirely. Instead, they are intended to augment the skills of surgeons and improve patient outcomes. With ongoing advancements and investments in this field, the future of surgical robotics looks bright.
