What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery has been utilized since the 1970s, primarily for complex and delicate procedures. This advanced method enables surgeons to perform operations with greater precision, safety, and minimal invasiveness, thanks to smaller incisions. Robotic surgery technology enhances the accuracy and control of each procedure, resulting in safer and more effective outcomes for patients. Continue reading for a more detailed overview of robotic surgery and its benefits.
In Which Treatment Methods is Robotic Surgery Used?
The suitability of robotic surgery depends on the patient’s overall health and the specific medical condition being treated. This advanced technique is most commonly chosen for complex or hard-to-access areas of the body. Robotic surgery is used in a variety of cases, including:
- Heart and lung diseases
- Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and obesity
- Tonsillitis
- Neurological diseases such as scoliosis, spinal stenosis, hernia
- Problems with the prostate, kidney or bladder
- Some gynecological diseases such as uterine prolapse, chocolate cyst or myomas
- Some gastrointestinal diseases, such as gallbladder, pancreas, esophagus or liver
- Laryngeal cleft
- Cancer
In Which Surgeries is Robotic Surgery Used?
Robotic surgery enables surgeons to perform delicate procedures with exceptional precision by translating their hand movements into exact actions through robotic arms. Seated at a specialized console, the surgeon controls the robotic instruments, which operate inside the patient's body. The console provides a high-resolution, 3D view of the surgical area, enhancing visibility and accuracy. These robotic arms faithfully replicate the surgeon’s motions, allowing for highly controlled and precise interventions. Common surgeries performed using robotic technology include:
- Robotic surgery kidney operation
- Robotic surgery hair transplantation
- Robotic surgery prostate
- Robotic surgery urology
- Robotic surgery bypass
- Robotic surgery bladder cancer
- Robotic surgery heart operation
Which Gynecological Diseases are Robotic Surgeries Used in?
Robotic surgery can be used for the operation of various gynecological diseases. Some of these are as follows:
- Endometriosis (chocolate cyst)
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Myomas
What are the Advantages of Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery enables minimally invasive procedures, allowing for smaller incisions and less tissue damage during surgery. As a result, patients benefit from faster healing, reduced pain, and less blood loss. The robotic arms can rotate 360 degrees, giving surgeons access to even the most difficult-to-reach areas of the body. This advanced technology also allows procedures to be performed in tighter, more complex spaces, potentially increasing the success rate for certain surgeries. Key advantages of robotic surgery include:
- Fewer complications, including infection of the surgical site
- Less blood loss and pain after the procedure
- Shorter duration of hospital stay
- Smaller and unnoticeable surgery scars than usual
- Fewer readmissions to the hospital
- Less blood clotting after surgery
- Faster recovery after surgery
- Faster return to daily life
In addition to the above-mentioned risks, robotic surgery is a more costly method than other treatment methods, and in this sense, it may disadvantage patients.
Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery
Both laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are minimally invasive techniques that offer faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery uses a special camera and fine instruments to access the abdominal cavity, making it especially effective for procedures involving the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures. Benefits include less bleeding, less pain, reduced tissue damage, and quicker recovery.
Robotic surgery builds on these benefits by using robotic arms for even greater precision and control during surgical procedures. This technology allows surgeons to perform complex and delicate operations with enhanced accuracy, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Although robotic surgery typically costs more than laparoscopic surgery, it can, in some cases, be even less invasive and further reduce recovery time.
Both methods are commonly used in gynecological and urological surgeries. The best approach depends on multiple factors, including the patient's specific condition, the type of procedure needed, and the surgeon's expertise.
What is Makoplasty Robotic Surgery?
Makoplasty is an advanced surgical technique that uses robotic technology to repair or replace joints, most commonly in the hip, knee, and shoulder. The procedure begins by creating a three-dimensional CT scan of the joint, which provides the surgeon with a detailed roadmap for the operation. Guided by these images, the surgeon uses robotic instruments to perform the repair or replacement with exceptional accuracy and precision.
Like other robotic surgeries, Makoplasty is minimally invasive, which means a shorter recovery time and less post-operative pain for patients.
What is the Cost of Robotic Surgery Surgery?
The cost of robotic surgery depends on several factors, including the country where the procedure takes place, the hospital's characteristics, the specific type of surgery, and the patient's insurance coverage. Prices may also differ based on the medical condition being treated—for example, robotic knee surgery may cost different than robotic heart surgery. In general, robotic surgeries tend to be more expensive than traditional surgical methods.
Some health insurance plans may cover robotic surgery, but patients often need to meet certain criteria for coverage. If you are considering robotic surgery, it’s important to consult both the medical institution and your insurance provider to understand the costs and determine what is covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robotic Surgery
Some of the frequently asked questions about robotic surgery are as follows:
Is robotic surgery dangerous?
Robotic surgery was designed to minimize the risks associated with traditional surgical procedures. It often offers notable benefits, including reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and quicker recovery times. However, like any medical procedure, robotic surgery does carry potential risks, such as possible technical malfunctions or system errors with the robotic equipment.
Despite these considerations, robotic surgery generally provides significant advantages over conventional methods. For more detailed information on robotic surgery and its applications, it’s best to consult a medical institution. Liv Hospital, for example, offers a range of robotic surgery procedures managed by experienced professionals.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .