Robotics in Healthcare

Most people dread surgical treatments. The procedure often comes along with uncertainty. Of course, there is always the possibility of a mistake take place, after all, surgeons are only human, and they often work long, exhausting hours. Thus, it comes as no surprise that robotic surgery is the future. Robotic surgery has made the work that surgeons do easier and more precise like machines are known for doing.

So what is robotic surgery and what does it entail?

In simpler terms, robotic surgery refers to a minimally invasive operation on a human being. These surgeries shorten the hospitalization and the recovery time significantly. Furthermore, with robotic surgery, patients lose less blood because the incisions are smaller, reducing the risk of infection. The robotic procedure is suitable for various medical conditions. These include head and neck surgery, urologic surgery, gynecologic surgery, and even heart surgery.

Of course, robotic surgery still takes place with a human surgeon present. The surgeon makes small cuts on the area of the operation and inserts a micro-camera into the incision. He/she then goes to the computer that is connected to the camera and manages the human-like machine to control the procedure.

The robot does not have the consciousness to make decisions on its own. It only follows the commands from the surgeon seated at the console. Without any direction from the surgeon, the robot cannot take any action. The robotic machine actually has arm-like structures which include surgical equipment. The doctor chooses the action as well as the tools used at every step of the procedure.

There are a plethora of benefits to robotic surgery. First, there is increased precision when using a robot rather than human arms. The robot makes the cuts with precision making the room for error close to non-existent. The surgeon can also access the problem areas with ease as the camera makes all sections of the distinct for him/her. He /she can stay clear of delicate body organs during the surgical procedure.

Another great benefit is the fact that there is a significant reduction in blood loss during robotic surgery. A common surgical obstacle is the possibility of patient hemorrhaging. In the absolute worst-case scenario, the patient does not make it. Therefore, robotic surgeries reduce fatalities.

The recovery time is a total of six weeks after robotic surgery and in some cases, the patient goes home after just two nights. A person need not worry about losing their work time and the accumulation of bills after a lengthy hospital stay.

Robotic surgery is relatively less painful than other traditional forms. Of course, similar to traditional surgery, in case of any pain, the surgeons will ensure a patient gets adequate pain killers. After all, it is a professional requirement for surgeons to manage pain before, during, and after surgery. There are still follow-ups, however, the process of the actual surgery is much smoother, making robotic surgery a great step into the future.

Originally published on Thomas Looby’s website.