Our Summary

This research paper is about a new surgical robot that was designed to overcome some of the challenges faced in minimally invasive surgery. This type of surgery is preferred because it causes less trauma to the patient, but can be difficult due to issues with maneuvering the surgical instruments and the length of time these surgeries can take.

The new robot was tested by performing gallbladder removal surgeries on three adult male pigs through their rectums. This method is a type of natural orifice surgery, which is exactly what it sounds like: surgery performed through a natural opening in the body, like the mouth, vagina, or rectum.

The robot has several small, highly flexible arms that are controlled from the inside. It also has a dual camera system for clear vision during the surgery. All three surgeries were successful, with very little blood loss and no complications. The researchers concluded that the robot was a stable platform for this kind of surgery that provided a good amount of space for the robotic arms, clear 3D vision, and improved flexibility.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the challenges faced in minimally invasive surgery that the new surgical robot aims to overcome?
  2. How was the new surgical robot tested?
  3. What features does the new surgical robot have that aid in performing surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cholecystectomy is to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities, and gradually reintroducing solid foods into their diet. It is important to attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery, include those with:

  • Gallstones causing symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting
  • Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
  • Infection of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
  • Gallbladder polyps or tumors
  • Biliary dyskinesia, a condition where the gallbladder does not empty properly
  • Pancreatitis caused by gallstones
  • Bile duct stones

In some cases, cholecystectomy may also be recommended for patients with asymptomatic gallstones but who have a high risk of developing complications in the future. It is important for patients to discuss their individual medical history and symptoms with their healthcare provider to determine if cholecystectomy is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before cholecystectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating due to gallstones in the gallbladder.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to confirm the presence of gallstones.
  • Patient may be advised to follow a low-fat diet and take medications to manage symptoms.
  • If symptoms persist or worsen, patient is recommended to undergo cholecystectomy.

After cholecystectomy:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are fit for surgery.
  • Cholecystectomy is performed either through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
  • After surgery, patient may experience pain, discomfort, and bloating, which can be managed with pain medications.
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital within a few days and advised to follow a special diet and avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks.
  • Patient may experience diarrhea or changes in bowel habits due to the absence of the gallbladder, which usually resolves over time.
  • Patient follows up with their surgeon for post-operative care and monitoring.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of undergoing a cholecystectomy?
  2. What is the recovery process like after a cholecystectomy?
  3. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of a cholecystectomy?
  4. What is the success rate of cholecystectomy surgeries, and what is the likelihood of complications?
  5. How long will the surgery take, and what type of anesthesia will be used?
  6. Will there be any dietary or lifestyle changes required after the surgery?
  7. How experienced is the surgeon in performing cholecystectomy procedures?
  8. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  9. Are there any specific risks or considerations for my individual health condition that I should be aware of?
  10. Can you provide more information about the new surgical robot and how it may impact the cholecystectomy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Foo CC, Yeung CK, Sreedhar B, Cheung JL, Law WL. Journal: Surg Innov. 2019 Aug;26(4):436-441. doi: 10.1177/1553350619829589. Epub 2019 Feb 12. PMID: 30755092