Our Summary

This research paper talks about the progress made in the field of robotic surgery. Robotic surgery is a type of surgery where robots assist doctors in performing operations, and it has been evolving over the years. The paper discusses the different generations of robotic surgical tools, from early systems using guidance technology, to endoscopic robots which can look inside the body, to robots inspired by biology, and even tiny robots that can move around inside the body.

The paper also looks at the future of robotic surgery, which may include robots that can conduct surgeries on their own. The authors of the paper look at the challenges and limitations of robotic surgery, like how to improve the ways surgeons can interact with the robots, or how to make the robots provide a sense of touch, or how to make the robots show real-time images of the body’s anatomy and immune responses.

The paper also talks about the costs and benefits of robotic surgery, and how doctors and nurses can learn to use these new tools. The authors believe that robotic surgery can lead to major improvements in healthcare, but they also note that it’s still a developing field with a lot of room for innovation and improvement.

FAQs

  1. What are the five generations of robotic surgical platforms discussed in the article?
  2. What are the challenges, obstacles, and limitations of robotic surgery according to the article?
  3. How does the article suggest robotic surgery technology can continue to improve surgical operative care?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about robotic surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgical team, including fasting guidelines and medication instructions. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before the procedure to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with the robotic surgery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for robotic surgery include those who require minimally invasive procedures, have complex or hard-to-reach surgical areas, have a high risk for complications with traditional surgery, or have a preference for the benefits of robotic technology such as less pain, shorter recovery time, and improved precision. Specific examples of patients who may benefit from robotic surgery include those undergoing prostatectomy, hysterectomy, colorectal surgery, thoracic surgery, and gynecologic surgery.

Timeline

Before robotic surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options and suitability for robotic surgery.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure.
  3. Patient discusses the procedure, risks, benefits, and expectations with the surgical team.
  4. Patient may undergo physical therapy or other preparations to optimize their condition for surgery.

After robotic surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored in the recovery room immediately following the procedure.
  2. Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and recovery.
  3. Patient is prescribed pain medications and given instructions for post-operative care.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing and discuss any concerns.
  5. Patient may undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation to aid in recovery and regain function.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and monitors their progress in the weeks and months following surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of robotic surgery will you be performing on me?
  2. How many robotic surgeries have you performed in the past?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with robotic surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery time typically after robotic surgery?
  5. Will I have any limitations or restrictions after undergoing robotic surgery?
  6. What are the success rates of robotic surgery compared to traditional surgery for my condition?
  7. How does robotic surgery improve precision and accuracy compared to traditional surgery?
  8. Will I have a choice in selecting robotic surgery or traditional surgery for my procedure?
  9. How long will the surgery take to complete using the robotic system?
  10. Are there any additional costs associated with robotic surgery that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Ashrafian H, Clancy O, Grover V, Darzi A. Journal: Br J Anaesth. 2017 Dec 1;119(suppl_1):i72-i84. doi: 10.1093/bja/aex383. PMID: 29161400