In recent years, technology has transformed the global medical field, especially in surgical procedures, where robotics now plays a significant role. Robotic surgery is not a new concept – in fact, it dates back to 1993 when Alberto Roveda conducted a liver biopsy through robotic surgery systems on a pig. The surgical station was in the Laboratory of NASA in Pasadena, California, while the pig was in Milan. This milestone marked the beginning of commercial activities involving robotic surgery in the early 1990s.
The first robotic system utilized was AESOP whose mechanical arm controlled the optical movement on video surgery with a clear voice command. By 1997, Jacques Himpens and Cardiere had conducted the first (of the many) robotic surgeries in Brussels using the Zeus and da Vinci surgical systems. Since then, robotics in surgery has gained wide popularity.
Today, robotics has enabled complex procedures in cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, and more. Grand View Research (October 2004) stated that the global market for surgical robots is booming. It was valued at $1.4+ billion in 2018 and might reach $22.3+ billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 21.5% during this forecast period.
This blog will provide you with details on the use of robotics in surgery, its pros and cons, and its future outlook.
What Exactly is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery involves the use of advanced surgical systems or robots that help surgeons to perform operations with ease. This robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to access previously inaccessible areas in the body and complete complex procedures through minimally invasive means. Robotic surgery includes:
- Microsurgical tools mounted on surgical arms with wrist attachments.
- An advanced, high-resolution camera that captures the magnified, 3D view of the precise surgical area.
- A console at which a surgeon directs the movements of surgical instruments and cameras.
- After the surgery is complete, the surgeon will detach all the robotic instruments from the incision site and close them with sutures.
One common question that arises in our mind is – is robotic surgery better than traditional methods? Let us find out. It is important to note that the use of robotics in surgery doesn’t replace your surgeon – it just helps them perform the surgery with more accuracy and precision, also making them less-invasive. And this serves as the foundation for da Vinci surgical systems, which are safer and beneficial in many ways.
Types of Robot-Assisted Surgeries
Robot-assisted surgeries are making waves across the globe today. Here is a list of robotic surgeries which are widely used as treatment methods:
- Cardiothoracic: For surgery involving the heart and other chest organs such as mitral valve repair, coronary artery bypass, and atrial fibrillation operations are performed using robotics.
- Colorectal: In colorectal surgery, robotic systems remove tumors or polyps and reconnect the colon, offering a less invasive option with faster recovery.
- Gastrointestinal: Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) and hernia repair are common conditions and the use of robotics provides control to operate such delicate abdominal areas.
- Gynecological: Many women opt for robotic surgery in hysterectomies, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and fibroid removal, as it requires smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery (which leaves bigger scars).
- Neurological: In complex brain and spine conditions, like epilepsy, tumors, and aneurysms, robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to reach complex areas with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
- Otolaryngologic: Robotic surgery aids in treating cancers related to the throat, pharynx, larynx, and epiglottis.
- Urological: Robotic systems are frequently used in prostate cancer treatments (radical prostatectomy) with potentially fewer side effects.
The integration of technologies like AI, IoT, and nanotechnology is reshaping patient care and decision-making in the healthcare industry. To know more, don’t miss reading about the role of the Internet Of Things (IoT) in healthcare.
Let’s not forget about the importance of nanorobots in targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive diagnostics.
Risks and Benefits of Robotic Surgery
There are several benefits, but it’s also essential to consider the risks of robotics in surgery. Let me break it down for you:
Risks associated:
Here are some risks associated with robotic surgery:
- Robotic malfunctions: While malfunctions are rare, technical issues with robotic machines could interrupt or complicate the surgery.
- Injury to body parts: Though there’s high precision and accuracy, there’s also a slight risk of body organ or nerve damage in complex surgeries.
- Accessibility challenges: Robotic surgery is often limited to well-funded hospitals and requires highly skilled surgeons, making it less accessible in some areas.
- Switching to open surgery: In rare cases, unforeseen complications (like scar tissue from previous surgeries) may require switching to traditional, open surgery during the mid-procedure, which may increase the risk further.
Curious about how robotics might evolve to overcome these risks? Discover more about robotic surgery and artificial intelligence.
Benefits include:
- Precision: Robotic arms offer unmatched precision, moving in ways a human hand cannot. This is helpful in complex surgeries which require intricate movements in confined organ and tissue spaces.
- Steady and reliable: Unlike human hands, robotic arms do not tremble and offer a stable and consistent performance during long and complex surgeries.
- Better visibility: Advanced 3D, high-definition cameras provide surgeons with a detailed, magnified view of the surgical area, improving accuracy.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Microsurgical instruments can perform procedures through small incisions. This will help reduce blood loss, pain and surgical wound size. It helps in faster post-operative recovery and less scarring compared to traditional open surgeries.
The Trends and Future Developments in Robotic Surgery
The future of robotic surgery is already here, and AI, machine learning, advanced imaging, and other emerging technologies are being integrated to get accurate results of patient analysis.
For instance, some systems use machine learning to predict patient’s health during surgeries. The rise of remote robotic surgery and teleoperations is another game-changer in the field.
- In June 2024, THINK Surgical signed a limited exclusive agreement and a license deal with Zimmer Biomet (ZB) to use ZB’s technology into a customized robotic solution for total knee arthroplasty. Around the same time, Smith and Nephew launched the Coriograph Pre-Operative Planning and Modeling Services for the same procedure.
- Another interesting thing to note is that human testing of a robot performing a ‘super microsurgery’, i.e., performing surgery on 0.3 to 0.8 mm vessels, is currently underway. If the trial is a success, robots will be able to repair microvasculature with higher precision and speed.
As the tech integration increases and we see more developments, we can expect increased automation in surgical treatment. The technology will enter more branches of medicine, opening possibilities for improved surgery and recovery.
Final Thoughts
The future of surgical robotics is incredibly promising, but challenges remain. Patient skepticism requires thorough education and understanding to consider its benefits. Legal and ethical challenges surrounding robotics and AI are another challenge to overcome. The health tech industry has a long way to go, and robotics are here to stay and evolve.
Want to learn more about robotics, AI, and other advanced tech? We’ve got you covered with all the latest tech developments and solutions. At Yaabot, we pride ourselves on being your ultimate stop for all things related to online technology, software, applications, science, health tech, and more.
FAQs
How much does robotic surgery cost?
The cost highly varies depending on the type of surgery and the country. For example, in the US, the minimum cost may start from $8000 to $10,000.
Is robotic surgery better?
Robotic surgery is one of many approaches, and surgeons choose it based on various cases. They’ll consider factors like – the type of surgery, your overall health, surgeon’s expertise, and other tech limitations.
What is the recovery process after robotic surgery?
Recovery after robotic surgery is quite faster and less painful than traditional methods. You will be able to eat within hours of surgery, move around shortly after waking from anesthesia, and even go home the same or next day – depending on your condition. The best advice would be to follow your surgeon’s advice and watch for any infections (pus), fever or vomiting during recovery.
Will robots replace surgeons?
No, robots and surgeons are both here to stay. Surgeons can seek help from robot systems to accurately perform the procedure, get better visibility of organs, predict analysis, etc., but I don’t think the medical professionals – and even we as patients – would be ready to let a machine fully take control in such delicate matters.
