What is Robotic Surgery? Advantages & How Does It Work

Since Czech playwright Karel Capek first proposed the idea and used the name “robot” in his play Rossom’s Universal Robots in 1921, robots have gained significance in both fiction and reality.

It is no miracle that robots for surgery have found their way into one of the most prestigious industries in the world today. Medical Industry has been going through small and big revolutions every other day. But there hasn’t been anything as drastic and dramatic as “Robotics in Surgery.”

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotics in surgery, commonly called robot-assisted surgery, is a minimally invasive surgery in which surgical functions are carried out using a specialised robotic surgery machine. It involves the employment of a surgery robot’s arm that is computer-controlled and furnished with surgical tools and a high-definition camera. 

At this point, one might wonder how does robotic surgery work precisely? The surgeon operates the robotic surgery machine arms and equipment while being seated at a console and s/he uses hand controls. The camera provides a 3D image of the surgical site, giving the surgeon a clear and in-depth perspective of the area that needs to be operated. Since the robot’s arms can move in ways that human hands cannot, they can perform surgery with more accuracy.

What is the Importance of Robotics in Surgery? 

Irrespective of robotic surgery pros and cons, robot for surgery has the world’s attention. This attention could be contributed to the precision of the robots used in surgery. 

KYM Global Insights has done thorough and detailed research and surveys on the relevance of Robot-assisted surgery in the medical industry. Renowned businesses like this, help understand the market’s demand and supply ratio better.

The Robotic Surgery Industry is expected to generate $8.5 billion in sales globally in 2022 and $18.4 billion by 2027 growing at a CAGR of 16.7 %. Global market research company from around the world are keeping a keen eye on the growth and gaps of the same. 

Human hands are bigger, restraining them to perform very minute surgeries without making bigger invasions. Bigger invasions mean more blood loss, more time to heal, and significantly more risk of infections. This is where robots for surgery come as blessings and perform the same operations with minimal consequences and lasting impacts.

What are the general Types of Robotic Surgery available in the Market Today?

 1.  Robotic General Surgery

There have been multiple studies to understand the efficiency of robot-assisted surgery in general procedures. A quick Google search on the web can lead you to custom market research papers to aid your decision on robot-assisted surgery. Its daily use is found to be safe and easily manageable. However, the benefit-to-cost ratio is a matter of concern. The scenario might change as and when the advantages of robotic surgery are more predominant, and it becomes more easily available. 

 2.  Robotic Cardiac Surgery

I have personally been a witness to the efficiency of this procedure. My father had a pacemaker installed one day and he resumed light work within a week. He has a small incision just below his shoulder now and is about to visit his cardiologist next month for a regular checkup. The benefits of robotic surgery in the field of cardiology are immense. 

 3.  Robotic Gynecologic Surgery

Surgery robots used in Robotic Gynecologic surgery are an excellent alternative to pen surgeries and/or laparoscopic surgeries. Traditionally, a large incision is made in the woman’s uterus that is then accessed by the doctor for performing the procedure. This process is highly painful and has more risk of infection. However robotic surgery ensures that the process is easy, clean and heals without scars faster. 

 4.  Robotic Neurosurgery

Neuroscience is a highly precision-oriented field. A specialized robotic surgery machine is used to access and eventually dissect neurons and brain structures. The precise action of the robotic arm and the expertise and manipulation of the neurosurgeon then comes to play. The benefits of robotic surgery and the doctor’s expertise, enable the patient to have the best of both worlds. 

 5.  Robotic Orthopedic Surgery

Out of the many reasons why robots are used in surgery is, precision. The robot used in surgery gives a precise idea about how much bone should be removed. Then the surgeon cuts the damaged bones and cartilage and replaces them with necessary alloys. At this stage, the robotic arm ensures that the plan is executed to the dot. 

 6.  Robotic Urologic Surgery

Many kidney surgeries require for the whole kidney to be taken out and this procedure is called radical nephrectomy. This is usually an open surgery which requires a good-sized incision. But thanks to robot-assisted surgeries, now patients have the option to opt for laparoscopic procedures.

 7.  Robotic Endocrine Surgery

The future of robotics surgery looks bright in robotic endocrine surgery too. The results that they offer are highly non-invasive as compared to open surgeries. This comes as a major plus as the scars left behind after an open operation take a long time to heal.

What are the Conditions where Robotic Surgery is used Predominantly?

Generally speaking, robot-assisted surgery comes into the picture when the downtime is pretty less and the treatment requires utmost precision. This is when a highly acclimatised surgeon makes use of a small incision to access the target area and operate upon the same. Robot surgery has been used successfully to treat conditions pertaining to the heart, the prostrate and the digestive system etc. 

How does Robotic Surgery work?

A camera arm and mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached are part of the clinical robotic surgical system. The surgeon manages the robotic arms while being seated at a computer console next to the operating table. A high-definition, enlarged, 3D view of the surgical site is provided to the surgeon through the same console. 

Robot-assisted surgery is a new technology that has the whole of the medical industry in awe. Surgery robots are among the most discussed and sought-after topics when it comes to bringing a revolution in the medical industry. It most certainly isn’t a farfetched dream in an era that has seen technological miracles like that of cloud computing, Chat GPT etc. 

What are Common Instruments used in Robotic Surgery?

A robotic surgery machine is a complex medical device used to perform robot-assisted surgery. It is composed of several components, including:

•  Robotic Arms: 

These are the primary components of the machine and are used to perform surgical procedures. The robotic arms are equipped with surgical instruments, including scalpels, scissors, and forceps, which are used to make incisions, cut tissue, and manipulate organs.

•  Endoscope: 

The endoscope is a small camera attached to one of the robotic arms. It provides a high-definition view of the surgical site, allowing the surgeon to see inside the patient’s body.

•  Control Console: 

The control console is where the surgeon sits during the procedure. It contains a computer and a set of hand-held controllers that are used to control robotic arms and instruments.

•  Software: 

The software is a critical component of the machine and is responsible for translating the surgeon’s hand movements into precise movements of the robotic arms.

•  Patient Cart: 

The patient cart is where the patient is positioned during the procedure. It contains a set of robotic arms that are used to position the patient and provide access to the surgical site.

Potential Benefits of Robotic Surgery

•  Minimally Invasive: 

Robotic surgery is less invasive than traditional open surgery, which means that patients may experience less pain, bleeding, scarring, and a faster recovery time.

•  Greater precision and control: 

The robot’s arms have a high degree of precision and can move in ways that human hands cannot, allowing for greater dexterity and accuracy during surgery.

•  Improved visualization: 

The high-definition camera provides a clear and detailed view of the surgical site, allowing the surgeon to see small structures more clearly.

•  Reduced risk of complications: 

Robotic surgery may reduce the risk of complications, such as infections and nerve damage, compared to traditional open surgery.

•  Shorter hospital stays: 

Because robotic surgery is less invasive and patients may experience a faster recovery time, they may spend less time in the hospital after surgery.

Risks and Limitations of Robotics Surgery

•  Cost: 

Robotic surgery can be more expensive than traditional open surgery.

•  Learning Curve: 

Robotic surgery requires specialized training and experience for surgeons, and it may take some time to become proficient in using the technology.

•  Technology Limitations: 

The robot’s arms may not be able to reach certain areas of the body, and there may be limitations in the types of procedures that can be performed with robotic surgery.

•  Technical Malfunctions: 

Technical malfunctions can occur with robotic systems, which may require the procedure to be converted to traditional open surgery.

Overall, robotic surgery has the potential to offer many benefits for patients, but it is important to carefully consider the risks and limitations before deciding on the type of surgery.

Are You the Right Candidate for Robotic Surgery?

To be honest, the idea of having a non-invasive operation to treat a life-threatening condition is lucrative. But unfortunately, if or not one can be a candidate for the same, is not an easy answer. It is usually a decision that is taken by the surgeon and the whole care team after thorough research. Moreover, robotic surgery may or may not be available at your geographic location too. 

The decision is based on factors like the patient’s overall health, the issue at hand and the gravity of the issue at hand. There are a lot of resources and finance at stake when it comes to robots used in surgery. This along with the nascency of surgery robots, makes the decision of choosing the candidate even more important. 

Is Robotic Surgery Safe?

By now one must understand that robot-assisted surgery is way ahead when it comes to performing non-invasive surgeries. However robotic surgery, like any other traditional surgery, holds the risk of infection and other complications. The advantages of robotic surgery supersede the minor risks they possess, on any given day. The gravity of the risks does not increase just because surgery is robotic in nature. 

In fact, the risk of infections is significantly lower since the invasion made is small and precise in nature.

What does the Future of Robotic Surgery look like?

To be honest, with the host of emerging technologies and breakthroughs, robotic surgery seems to have a bright future. 

Specialized survey markets have shown only dramatically affirming growths. The future of Robotic surgery is about to become only more dramatic and interesting as days go by. And when that era comes, a patient would not have to evaluate the robotic surgery pros and cons before planning for a procedure.

Here are Some Major Developments that Robot Surgery is yet to see in the days to come:

 •  Artificial intelligence (AI): With the potential to enhance surgical results and lower the risk of complications, AI is anticipated to play a significant role in the development of robotic surgery. AI can be used to analyse data from prior operations to aid surgeons in decision-making during the surgical procedure and to support decision-making in real-time.

 •  Nanorobotics: The employment of microscopic robots—smaller than a human cell—to carry out surgical procedures is known as nanorobotics. These remote-controllable robots can access challenging body regions and carry out extremely accurate surgical procedures.

 •  Augmented reality (AR): The development of augmented reality (AR) technology will give surgeons a “virtual” picture of the surgical site that will be superimposed on the endoscope’s real-world perspective. This technology can aid in enhancing surgical precision and lowering the possibility of problems.

 •  Soft Robotics: soft robotics is the use of malleable, supple materials to build mobile, body-adjustable robotic systems. Using this technology, surgical robots may become more flexible in a greater variety of surgical operations.

 •  Remote Surgery: Using robotic equipment, remote surgery entails the physician performing the procedure while being in a distant place from the patient. With the help of this technology, surgical care might be more easily accessed in rural or underserved locations, and patients who would not have access to a nearby specialist could receive more specialised care.

The Technological shift that our world is undergoing right now is proof that Robotics in surgery is here to stay and grow. If there are further queries that are clouding your mind, Feel Free to Book a Consultation with Us Today!