Robotics Surgery
A robotics surgery is a computer controlled and self powered device which
can be programmed to help in manipulation and positioning of surgical
instruments. This enables the surgeons to carry out complex tasks quite
easily. However the systems which are currently in use have not been
designed to act independently from a human surgeon or even not ready to
replace them. Rather, these machines actually act as remote extensions
which are completely governed by surgeons and so they are best called as
master slave manipulators. Fortunately, two of the master slave systems
have already received approval from the FDA or Food and Drug
Administration of US and are being used which are the da Vinci surgical
system and ZEUS system. These systems come designed with two basic
components which are linked together with computer and data cables.
The master console of the surgeon is the user interface of the robotics
surgery which offers master surgeon several instructions. The instructions
offered include
• 3-dimensional view for the surgical field relayed from the endoscopic
camera included inside the patient’s body and in control of the robot which
creates sense of being engrossed in the surgical field.
• An professional control panel to amend the functions such as motion
scaling, controlling and focusing camera and to the accessory units.
• There is a master manipulator control which is basically like joysticks or
handles which surgeon uses during the surgery. These movements though
the handles are then translated to real time movements for the slave
manipulators docked over the patient. The motions scaling and tremor
filtering functions increase precision and accuracy in movements of the
surgeon.
However the patient side robotics surgery manipulators are still also
designed with robotic arms which manipulate surgical instruments along with
the camera through laparoscopic ports that are connected in the body of the
patient. The da Vinci system is designed to handle surgical instruments
including microarticulations at the tip or endowrist which can actually
duplicate the motions of human waist.
Robotics surgery – clinical applications
Robotics surgery today effectively addressed the confines of traditional
thoracoscopic and laparoscopic robotics surgery thereby allowing
achievement of advanced and complex surgical procedures with better
precision in a plainly invasive manner. As opposed to the uncomfortable
positions which are needed during laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon in
robotics surgery is comfortably seated on the robotic consol in a perfect
arrangement which indicates which reduces physical burden of the surgeon.
Rather than just 2-dimensional or flat image which is gained through the
standard laparoscopic camera, surgeon in robotics surgery receives 3-
dimensional view which improves depth perception. Moreover the camera
motion is also very steady which is conveniently controlled through the
operation surgeon through manual or voice activated master controls.
Moreover the manipulation of the robotic arm instruments also improves the
range of motion when compared with standard laparoscopic instruments and
thereby it lets the surgeon to conduct more compound surgical movements.
However in comparatively short time the robotics surgery procedures are
spanning the whole range of surgery which have been effectively executed.
Some initial results display that morbidity, mortality and hospital stay
contrast favorable to the traditional laparoscopic operations. There are just a
few number of randomized and potential studies which compare outcomes
from the robotic techniques over the existing conservative methods. Some
more procedures specific and randomized trials also need to be conducted
before the robotics surgery can find their way into regular surgical practice.
Limitations of robotics surgery
Although robotics surgery is fast developing the technology has still not
achieved its full prospective while owing to some limitations. One major issue
is the cost effectiveness point. Some recent studies that compare robotic
procedures over standard operations have displayed that although the
absolute cost for these robotic operations are a bit high the major part for
this increased cost attributes the initial cost for purchasing the robot and
yearly maintenance. These two factors are expected to decrease as the
robotic system gain higher widespread recognition. However it is imaginable
that some further technical advancements might at first drive the prices even
more higher. The robotic equipment is also a bit bulky which is yet another
drawbacks to this robotics surgery.
Conclusion
Although robotics surgery is still in its early stages, it is still a cutting edge
development in the surgery field which can have high ending implications.
The robotics surgery is also improving dexterity and precision and this fast
emerging technology would soon allow the surgeons to conduct operations
which were usually not agreeable to minimal access methods. Therefore the
benefits over this minimal access method surgery might be applicable to
broader range of procedures. Moreover safety is also ensured as a number of
cases done using robotics surgery have shown positive outcomes. This
telerobotic surgery is currently viewed as an excellent way to deliver surgical
care to the patients who don’t have direct access to the surgeon.
A robotic surgery is a computer controlled and self powered device which can be
programmed to help in manipulation and positioning of surgical instruments. This enables
the surgeons to carry out complex tasks quite easily. However the systems which are
currently in use have not been designed to act independently from a human surgeon or
even not ready to replace them. Rather, these machines actually act as remote extensions
which are completely governed by surgeons and so they are best called as master slave
manipulators. Fortunately, two of the master slave systems have already received approval
from the FDA or Food and Drug Administration of US and are being used which are the da
Vinci surgical system and ZEUS system. These systems come designed with two basic
components which are linked together with computer and data cables.
The master console of the surgeon is the user interface of the robot surgery which offers
master surgeon several instructions. The instructions offered include
• 3-dimensional view for the surgical field relayed from the endoscopic camera included
inside the patient's body and in control of the robot which creates sense of being engrossed
in the surgical field.
• An professional control panel to amend the functions such as motion scaling, controlling
and focusing camera and to the accessory units.
• There is a master manipulator control which is basically like joysticks or handles which
surgeon uses during the surgery. These movements though the handles are then translated
to real time movements for the slave manipulators docked over the patient. The motions
scaling and tremor filtering functions increase precision and accuracy in movements of the
surgeon.
However the patient side robotic manipulators are still also designed with robotic arms
which manipulate surgical instruments along with the camera through laparoscopic ports
that are connected in the body of the patient. The da Vinci system is designed to handle
surgical instruments including microarticulations at the tip or endowrist which can actually
duplicate the motions of human waist.
Robotic surgery - clinical applications
Robotic surgery today effectively addressed the confines of traditional thoracoscopic and
laparoscopic surgery thereby allowing achievement of advanced and complex surgical
procedures with better precision in a plainly invasive manner. As opposed to the
uncomfortable positions which are needed during laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon in
robotic surgery is comfortably seated on the robotic consol in a perfect arrangement which
indicates which reduces physical burden of the surgeon. Rather than just 2-dimensional or
flat image which is gained through the standard laparoscopic camera, surgeon in robotic
surgery receives 3-dimensional view which improves depth perception. Moreover the
camera motion is also very steady which is conveniently controlled through the operation
surgeon through manual or voice activated master controls. Moreover the manipulation of
the robotic arm instruments also improves the range of motion when compared with
standard laparoscopic instruments and thereby it lets the surgeon to conduct more
compound surgical movements.
However in comparatively short time the robotic procedures are spanning the whole range
of surgery which have been effectively executed. Some initial results display that morbidity,
mortality and hospital stay contrast favorable to the traditional laparoscopic operations.
There are just a few number of randomized and potential studies which compare outcomes
from the robotic techniques over the existing conservative methods. Some more procedures
specific and randomized trials also need to be conducted before the robotic surgery can find
their way into regular surgical practice.
Limitations of robotic surgery
Although robotic surgery is fast developing the technology has still not achieved its full
prospective while owing to some limitations. One major issue is the cost effectiveness point.
Some recent studies that compare robotic procedures over standard operations have
displayed that although the absolute cost for these robotic operations are a bit high the
major part for this increased cost attributes the initial cost for purchasing the robot and
yearly maintenance. These two factors are expected to decrease as the robotic system gain
higher widespread recognition. However it is imaginable that some further technical
advancements might at first drive the prices even more higher. The robotic equipment is
also a bit bulky which is yet another drawbacks to this robotic surgery.
Conclusion
Although robotic surgery is still in its early stages, it is still a cutting edge development in
the surgery field which can have high ending implications. The robotic surgery is also
improving dexterity and precision and this fast emerging technology would soon allow the
surgeons to conduct operations which were usually not agreeable to minimal access
methods. Therefore the benefits over this minimal access method surgery might be
applicable to broader range of procedures. Moreover safety is also ensured as a number of
cases done using robotic surgery have shown positive outcomes. This telerobotic surgery is
currently viewed as an excellent way to deliver surgical care to the patients who don't have
direct access to the surgeon.
TYPES OF ROBOTICS SURGERY
Medical robotics is the future of science and there are 3 Types Of Robotics
Surgery currently available. Though one Da Vinci surgical robot costs roughly
$1.7 million, surgeons who have used it say it is both remarkable and
revolutionary. "I do a lot of gallbladder surgery," explains Dr. Glen Gibson of
Annapolis General Hospital. "Operating on livers, stomachs and colons used
to be stem-to-stern incisions; I have had to take out (only) one gallbladder by
traditional surgery in the last three years." Robotic surgery promises quicker
recovery times, less pain medication and fewer incisions, he adds.
Currently there are three types of robotics surgery systems : Supervisory-
Controlled systems, Telesurgical systems and Shared-Control systems.
Supervisory-Controlled systems (a.k.a. Computer Assisted Surgery) are the
most automated of the three. The surgeon undertakes considerable prep
work, inputs data into the robotic system, plans the course of action, takes x-
rays, tests the robot’s motions, places the robot in the appropriate start
position and oversees the robotic action to ensure everything goes as
planned. The most famous prototype is the RoboDoc system developed by
Integrated Surgical Systems, which is commonly used in orthopedic
surgeries.
The Telesurgical robotics surgery system is the second type of device used
in modern robotic surgery. The most common variety, the Da Vinci Robotic
Surgical System, enhances the surgery by providing 3-D visualization deep
within hard-to-reach places like the heart, as well as enhancing wrist
dexterity and control of tiny instruments. This technology allows surgeons to
make quicker, more controlled and more accurate movements by using the
robot arm with its wider range of motions.
Robotics Surgery also allows more surgeons to perform these procedures,
since many of the techniques performed by robot assistants are highly skilled
and extremely difficult for humans to master. Now more procedures (like
artery repair and valve repair) can be done without long recovery times or
bodily injury.
The types of robotics surgery we will discuss next is the Shared-Control
System is the final category of robotic surgery devices . In this system, the
human does the bulk of the work, but the robot assists when needed. In many
cases, the robotic system monitors the surgeon, providing stability and
support during the procedure. Before getting started, the surgeons program
the robots to recognize safe, close, boundary and forbidden territories within
the human body. Safe regions are the main focus of the surgery.
The Robotics Surgery in use today will closely guard regions that border
easily damaged soft tissue and the boundary is where soft tissue begins. As
the surgeon nears these dangerous areas, the robot pushes back against the
surgeon, or in some cases, when the forbidden zone is reached, the robotic
system actually locks up to prevent any further injury. Shared-Control
systems might work best for brain surgeries, where the surgeon provides the
action but the robot arm steadies the hand.
Prostate Robotics Surgery
Prostate Robotics Surgery almost sounds like an episode of the old cartoon
that was set in the the year 2062, The Jetsons. Imagine Rosie the Robot
performing a prostrate operation on George. Well, robotic surgery for
prostate cancer is now a reality. At least, that’s what they are calling it, but it
is not exactly what it sounds like. The procedure is done by a doctor
operating a remote controlled device.
Prostate Robotics Surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional
prostate surgery. It employs the use an high tech, upgraded laparoscopic
device. Patients usually give the procedure positive feedback. This is a trend
you can bet you will see more of.
You may be surprised to learn that Prostate Robotics Surgery is hardly a new
phenomenon. In fact, it’s not unusual for a surgeon to have performed
thousands of these operations, starting in the 1990′s. (The earliest robotic
assisted operation was in 1985.)
The actual machinery for Prostate Robotics Surgery is named the da Vinci
surgical system. It allows the prostate to be operated on, or removed without
having to open the patient’s body, like most surgeries. Four small holes are
made that allow tiny instruments to enter and do the work.
The sturdiest human hand has micro tremors, but the da Vinci system
compensates, creating tremor free execution. Combined with the better than
naked eye vantage point of the camera, and the precision tools, tissue from
nearby areas is left unmolested.
Prostate Robotics Surgery is sometimes referred to as the "The bloodless
prostrate surgery", due to the minimal blood loss. Patients report a lot less
overall hurting than would be expected in a normal operation, and the amount
of time to get back to normal is also greatly accelerated.
Other patient-pleasing benefits of this procedure, over the open prostate
surgery, is the usual ugly scar is not a factor. There are only four little, round
pocks. The normal method has a some rather displeasing side effects that
the newer surgery doesn’t induce. There’s no mystery as to why minimally
invasive procedures consistently receive more positive patient feedback.
To give you an idea of how less invasive the Prostate Robotic
Surgery operation is, it is not uncommon for patients to walk out several
hours after the procedure was performed. Most patients are able to leave the
hospital the next day.
Prostate Robotics surgery for prostate cancer is not the only surgery of its
kind. There are similar operations done in the fields of; General surgery,
Cardiothoracic, Cardiology, Electrophysiology, Gastrointestinal, Gynecology,
Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics and Urology.
So what about Rosie the Robot for Prostate Robotics Surgery? Is she ever
going to get a chance to perform surgery? If you look at all the advancements
that have been made in your lifetime alone, it might be wise not to bet
against her. Just a handful of years ago, May, 2006, a robotic system that is
now known as, "the first artificial intelligence doctor," performed a surgery,
under its own control, on a guy in his mid 30′s who had a case of heart
arrhythmia.
The designer of the robot used for Prostate Robotics Surgerysaid that due to
the ten thousand similar operations it had in its database, it was more than
qualified to do the job. In fact, the outcome was rated better than if the
surgery had been done by "the average surgeon". The designer went on to
predict that fifty percent of all surgeries within ten to fifteen years, will be
performed by robotic units under their own control.
Robotic Surgery
In today’s world of advanced technology, we are finally making huge strides
when it comes to the Hysterectomy Robotic Surgery. The latest and most
innovative technology that is found in the medical field today is simply put:
robots. More and more are we seeing robots that are assisting the surgeon in
the operating room. These robots will help many patients throughout the
years, especially as the technology is perfected and upgraded.
Imagine that you have just discovered that you need a Hysterectomy. The
mere thought of having this disease is daunting, let alone having to face a
surgery as well. If you find yourself having to have all or part of your prostate
removed the doctor will probably recommend that you have Hysterectomy
Robotic Surgery. This procedure will drastically reduce the amount of
recovery time that is usually associated with any surgery involving uterus.
Another major area where Robotic Surgery is highly used is for heart surgery.
Although the technology for performing robotic heart surgery is expensive
and difficult to find, the overall results being seen from the use of a robot
during heart surgery are so great that we should see this technology become
more accessible over the next several years. The use of a robot for heart
surgery results in a less invasive procedure which in turn provides a quicker
recovery time as well.
Hysterectomies are the second most common surgery that is performed each
year and a great choice for Robotic Surgery. Hundreds of thousands of
women require the removal of their uterus for a variety of reasons. Women
might have this procedure due to uncontrollable bleeding or for cancer as
well. More and more hysterectomies are being performed by the assistance
of a robot. The use of a robot to perform a hysterectomy is highly beneficial
to each patient. As with the prostatectomy and heart surgery, a hysterectomy
performed by a robot also results in a less invasive procedure with shorter
recovery times. Another benefit for most women is that they will also see less
scarring as a result of the procedure. There are many hospitals in IL that
provide this robotic procedure.
So if you find yourself needing a surgical procedure, perhaps you should
discuss the options of a robotic surgery with your doctor. You should also
keep in mind that not everybody is a candidate for robotic surgery and it may
not be available in some areas. Robotic surgery is still generally new and will
take several years for the procedures to catch on. Once the technology
becomes more common and less expensive the surgeries should be available
to just about anyone.
