What is Robotic Surgery?
What is Robotic Surgery?
In recent years, robot-assisted surgical techniques have elevated minimally invasive surgery to a new level. 'Minimally invasive' refers to smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery. This approach is often associated with laparoscopic operations, where surgeons use tiny instruments and a miniature camera inserted through small incisions to perform the procedure. Robotic surgery takes this approach further: in this case, the small instruments are attached to robotic arms. This allows for a greater range of motion and higher precision than the human hand. Contrary to popular belief, robotic surgery is not performed by an autonomous robot. All movements are controlled by a surgeon who sits at a console and monitors the progress on a high-definition screen. Therefore, the skills and expertise of the surgeon are critical to achieving a successful outcome.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Robot-assisted surgery offers significant advantages for both the surgeon and the patient:
- Robotic Precision: Eliminates the natural tremors of the human hand.
- Superior Visualization: Provides enhanced visibility of the surgical area with highly magnified, three-dimensional images.
- Ability to Work in Confined Spaces: Allows surgeons to operate in hard-to-reach, small, and narrow areas.
- Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions lead to less pain and blood loss, resulting in quicker recovery.
However, this type of operation may not be the best option for every patient. You should consult your doctor to determine if robotic surgery is right for you.
Types of Robotic Surgery
Advanced robotic systems allow specially trained surgeons to perform various minimally invasive procedures throughout the body. The subtypes of robotic surgery include:
- Heart surgery
- Gynecological surgery
- Kidney surgery
- Colon surgery
- Obesity surgery
- Prostate surgery
- Head and neck surgery
Various technologies are available for robotic surgery. Currently, the da Vinci Surgical System is the most widely used technology worldwide. At Well Dems Travel Agency, we utilize the da Vinci Xi, the latest and most advanced robotic system available today.
Robotic Surgery in Cardiovascular Diseases
Robotic heart surgery eliminates the need for open surgery. Instead of opening the chest, the surgeon gains access through small incisions. This method is more comfortable for the patient and reduces recovery time. Almost all procedures in cardiovascular surgery, including valve repair and replacement (e.g., transcatheter aortic valve implantation), robotic bypass surgery, surgery to correct arrhythmias, orifice repair, and surgery to correct issues in the right or left atrium, can be performed using minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Robotic surgery also offers a solution for patients who have undergone multiple heart surgeries. For these patients with valve issues, open surgery is very risky as opening the breastbone can damage the heart. At Well Dems Travel Agency, such patients can undergo surgery using the da Vinci robotic system. Access is gained through a small incision of three to four centimeters under the arm, without touching the previous surgical area. Moreover, robotic heart surgery can be performed on a beating heart, meaning the heart does not need to be stopped, and there is no disruption in heart function. This surgery takes less time than traditional surgery and minimizes the risk of infection, bleeding, and the need for blood transfusions.
Robotic Surgery in General Surgery
General surgery involves disorders of the abdomen and digestive system, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and intestines. Many of these disorders can be treated with minimally invasive techniques. The da Vinci robot can be used for various conditions such as hernias, obesity, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Robotic Colorectal Surgery: Da Vinci robotic surgery is used in the surgical treatment of many colorectal diseases, including colorectal cancer (cancer that starts in the colon or rectum), diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. For rectal surgery in particular, robotic surgery allows for the preservation of nerves adjacent to the surgical area.
Robotic Bariatric Surgery: Robot-assisted surgery facilitates the operation in obese patients and shortens the recovery time. Gastric bypass is the most common obesity surgery performed using the da Vinci robot. This method is considered the gold standard in helping with obesity and other surgeries. It not only reduces the size of the stomach but also bypasses a portion of the intestines, reducing food absorption.
Robotic Surgery in Gynecology
For some women, robot-assisted procedures can be an effective alternative to open gynecological surgery. Various conditions affecting the reproductive system, such as endometriosis, abdominal and pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding, pelvic organ prolapse, or gynecological cancers, may require surgery. Robotic surgery is often used for the treatment of endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer; robotic hysterectomy (removal of the uterus); myomectomy (removal of fibroids); and fallopian tube surgery. Advanced procedures like laparoscopic or robotic surgery performed by our experienced surgical teams can preserve the nerves in the genital area, helping maintain the patient's sexual and urinary function.
Robotic Surgery in Urology
Urology is the field where robotic surgery systems are most commonly used. This medical specialty treats urinary tract and reproductive system disorders in men. Surgeons prefer to use the da Vinci robot to relieve kidney obstruction with pyeloplasty, treat kidney cancer with robotic partial nephrectomy (removal of part of the kidney), or eliminate prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland). Traditional prostate surgery involves a long abdominal incision from the navel to the pubic bone, while robotic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions. It allows the surgeon to preserve the delicate structures around the prostate gland. In addition to a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery, da Vinci robotic surgery offers better outcomes in terms of urinary control and erectile function compared to traditional operations.
At Well Dems Travel Agency, we take pride in offering our patients the highest quality healthcare services with our robotic surgery services equipped with the latest technologies. We care about your health and are here to provide you with the best care experience.
