Anew technology for patients, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre has a Department of Robotic Surgery which has the latest 4th generation robotic surgery system — the Da Vinci Xi robotic platform.

This technology helps surgeons perform minimalinvasive surgery with even greater precision, flexibility and control.

WHAT IS ROBOTIC SURGERY?

Robotic surgery is a type of minimal invasive surgery. Instead of operating on patients through large incisions, smaller surgical instruments that fit through a series of quarter-inch incisions are mounted on separate robotic arms, allowing the surgeon maximum range of motion and precision. One of the arms contains a magnified high-definition 3D camera that guides the surgeon during the procedure. The surgeon controls the arms through a computer console that is near the operating table. The system allows the surgeon a high definition, magnified, 3D view of the surgical site. The other members of the team assist the surgeon during the operation.

ADVANTAGES AND RISKS

Robotic surgery has been in use in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. For many procedures the visibility afforded through robotic surgery is far superior, especially for some surgeries in difficult to access areas of the body. Using robotic surgery, surgeons can perform delicate and complex procedures that may have been difficult or impossible with other methods.

The surgeon looks through a high-definition monitor that gives him a better, more detailed 3D view of the operating site than the human eye can provide. Every movement he makes with the master controls is replicated precisely by the robot. When necessary, the surgeon can even change the scale of the robot’s movements. For example, if he selects a three-to-one scale, the tip of the robot’s arm will move just one inch for every three inches the surgeon’s hand moves.

For this reason, this surgery enhances the precision, flexibility and control during the operation in addition there are all the benefits of minimal invasive surgery that include:

Small incisions that heal quickly with less noticeable scars.

Less risk of developing infection of the surgical site.

Less pain and blood loss.

QUICKER RECOVERY

Robotic surgery involves some risk, which may be similar to those of conventional open surgery, such as a small risk of infection and other complications. Robotic surgery may be done for a better outcome in most specialties such as urology, gynaecology, general and GI surgery, colorectal surgery, pelvic floor surgery, thoracic surgery, cancer surgery and head and neck surgery.

It is important that you discuss this option with your surgeon to understand whether it’s the right one for you. Read also what to do to be health & lifestyle benefits.