Robotic Surgery: What is it?
Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, involves the use of robotic arms to carry out minimally invasive (keyhole) surgical procedures. With the use of robotic systems, surgeons can perform complex procedures with greater precision.
In the context of GI treatments, this technology has been applied to various procedures, including colorectal surgeries, gastric surgeries, and bariatric surgeries. The system typically consists of a console, robotic arms, and a camera-equipped endoscope, allowing surgeons to control the robotic instruments with exceptional precision.
The Robotic Surgery technology consists of:
Surgical arms: Equipped with miniature instruments featuring wrists at their tips.
- Advanced camera: Offering magnified 3D views of the surgical site.
- Surgical console: Allowing the surgeon to precisely control the movements of the instruments and camera.
Robotic Surgery: Who performs it for GI treatments?
A GI surgeon who undergoes training in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery conducts this procedure.
Robotic Surgery: For GI treatments
Robotic GI Surgery can be performed for the following conditions:
Colorectal
- Procedures for colorectal cancers
- Procedures for ulcerative colitis
- Procedures for rectal prolapse
Esophagogastric
- Cardiomyotomy for achalasia
- Sleeve gastrectomy, mini gastric bypass
- Esophagectomy
- Hiatal hernia repair and fundoplication
- Subtotal gastrectomy, distal gastrectomy, and total gastrectomy
Hernia
- Complicated inguinal and femoral hernias
- Complex abdominal wall hernias: incisional, ventral, and recurrent hernias
Robotic surgery allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with traditional procedures. Robotic surgery is often performed through tiny incisions. But sometimes it’s used in open surgeries.
Robotic surgery also is called robot-assisted surgery.
Most often, a robotic surgery system includes a camera arm and mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them. The surgeon controls the arms while seated at a control center, called a console, near the operating table. The surgeon sees a magnified, high-definition, 3D view of the surgical site.
The surgeon leads other team members who assist during the operation.
Why it’s done
Surgeons who use the robotic system find that it can increase precision, flexibility and control during the operation. The robotic system also allows them to better see the site, compared with traditional surgical methods. Using robotic surgery, surgeons can perform delicate and complex procedures that may be difficult or impossible with other methods.
Robotic surgery often is done through tiny openings in the skin and other tissues. This approach is called a minimally invasive surgery. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:
Smaller, less noticeable scars.
Fewer complications, such as surgical site infection.
Less pain and blood loss.
A shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery.
Main components of robotic surgery equipment
High-definition endoscope: A camera arm holds a dual-lens endoscope that is inserted into the patient to provide the 3D, high-resolution imagery displayed on the surgeon’s console.
Surgeon console: The surgeon sits at this console, which is positioned in the operating room, and uses hand and foot controls to manipulate the robotic arms. The console provides a high-definition, magnified 3D view of the surgical site, creating an immersive experience that enhances depth perception and visualization.