Our Summary

Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) has made huge progress in various surgical fields, but it hasn’t been as widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This research aimed to understand how RAS could be beneficial in this field. They examined various studies and found 44 that met their criteria. These included 239 patients in total. The results showed that RAS was highly successful in very small, intricate surgical procedures, with no noticeable increase in complications compared to traditional manual surgery. The researchers concluded that RAS is a promising tool for plastic and reconstructive surgery, especially for very precise operations and those performed through the mouth.

FAQs

  1. What is the potential role of Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) in plastic and reconstructive surgery?
  2. How does the success rate and complication rate of RAS compare to traditional manual surgery in plastic and reconstructive procedures?
  3. What types of plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures could particularly benefit from the use of RAS?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about reconstructive surgery is to ask about the possibility of robotic assisted surgery, as it can be highly successful in very small, intricate procedures with no increase in complications. This technology may provide a more precise and efficient option for certain reconstructive surgeries.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from reconstructive surgery include those who have suffered from traumatic injuries, burns, congenital deformities, or cancer. Reconstructive surgery can help improve function, restore appearance, and enhance quality of life for these patients. Additionally, reconstructive surgery may also be recommended for patients undergoing gender affirmation surgery or those seeking cosmetic enhancements to correct physical imperfections. It is important for patients to consult with a plastic surgeon to determine if reconstructive surgery is the best option for their specific needs.

Timeline

  • Before surgery: The patient meets with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations for the procedure. They undergo a physical examination and may have imaging tests done to assess the area of concern. A treatment plan is created, and the patient is informed of the risks and benefits of the surgery.

  • Day of surgery: The patient arrives at the hospital or surgical center and meets with the surgical team. They are prepped for surgery and anesthesia is administered. The surgeon performs the reconstructive surgery using robotic-assisted techniques.

  • After surgery: The patient is monitored closely in the recovery room and may stay overnight in the hospital for observation. Pain medication is given to manage discomfort. The patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns. Over time, the patient will see the results of the reconstructive surgery as the area heals and settles into its final appearance.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about reconstructive surgery, particularly regarding the use of robotic assisted surgery, may include:

  1. Can robotic assisted surgery be used for my specific reconstructive procedure?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using robotic assisted surgery compared to traditional manual surgery?
  3. Are there any risks or limitations associated with using robotic assisted surgery for reconstructive procedures?
  4. How many robotic assisted surgeries have you performed for this specific type of reconstructive surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like for patients who undergo robotic assisted reconstructive surgery?
  6. Are there any additional costs associated with using robotic assisted surgery for my reconstructive procedure?
  7. How does the use of robotic assisted surgery affect the overall success rate of the reconstructive procedure?
  8. Are there any specific qualifications or certifications that a surgeon must have in order to perform robotic assisted reconstructive surgery?
  9. What type of follow-up care is necessary after undergoing robotic assisted reconstructive surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any patient testimonials or case studies that showcase the success of robotic assisted reconstructive surgery in your practice?

Reference

Authors: Ruccia F, Mavilakandy A, Imtiaz H, Erskine J, Liew YY, Ali M, Khajuria A. Journal: Int J Med Robot. 2024 Aug;20(4):e2661. doi: 10.1002/rcs.2661. PMID: 39004949