How did Robot-assisted Surgery Evolve?
Robot-assisted surgery started with NASA, mechanical engineers, and experts from Stanford University. They combined virtual reality and robot technology.
The first da Vinci system was made in 1997. It was first used in a cholecystectomy. After FDA approval in 2000, it was used in many surgeries.
Evolution of Surgery
In the last 20 years, surgery has changed a lot. Laparoscopic surgery was a big step forward. It replaced big incisions with small ones.
Laparoscopic surgeries use 3 to 5 small ports. These ports are only 0.5 to 1.5 cm wide.
The first laparoscopic surgery was for gall bladder diseases in 1987. Now, it’s used for many conditions. This includes diseases of the esophagus, stomach, and more.
Robotic systems became popular after the first robotic cholecystectomy in 1997. They are now used in urology, gynecology, and cardiovascular surgery.
Da Vinci Surgical Robotic system lets surgeons work through small incisions. The surgeon sits at a console and controls the robot. Another surgeon assists nearby.
Robot-assisted surgery uses thin tubes, called “ports.” These are similar to those in laparoscopic surgery.
Robot-assisted Surgery in Urology
Urology is a field where surgical robotics is often used. Da Vinci is preferred for many surgeries, especially radical prostatectomy.
Urologic Operations performed with da Vinci:
- Robot-assisted Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Robot-assisted Renal Cancer Surgery
- Robot-assisted Pyeloplasty – Surgery for Stenotic Ureteropelvic Junction
- Other operations
Robot-assisted Surgery in Cardiovascular Surgery
Cardiovascular surgery is used when other treatments don’t work. It’s a common use of surgical robotics.
Cardiovascular surgery includes fixing mitral valves and bypassing coronary arteries. It also treats rhythm disorders and repairs heart valves.
Robotic-assisted Surgery in General Surgery
General surgery uses surgical robotics for many operations.
- Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery
Da Vinci is used for many colorectal diseases, including cancers. It helps protect nerves during rectal surgery.
- Robotic-assisted obesity surgery
Gastric bypass is a common obesity surgery with da Vinci. It reduces stomach size and bypasses intestines to lower nutrient absorption.
Robotic-assisted Surgery in Gynecology
In gynecology, da Vinci is used for cancer surgeries and removing the uterus. It’s also used for removing large myomas.
Da Vinci is commonly used for endometrial and cervical cancers. It’s also used for hysterectomy, myomectomy, and other surgeries.
Robotic-assisted Surgery in ENT
Today, da Vinci is used for ENT surgeries. This method is called Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS). It aims to remove tumors in the mouth, larynx, tongue, and tonsils.
Robotic-assisted surgery uses a natural opening in the body. This means no cuts are needed. It lets surgeons work in tight spaces with many nerves and blood vessels, thanks to better images and tools.
For ENT surgeries with da Vinci, only two thin arms and a camera are used. Sometimes, laser heads are attached to these arms.
Robotic Surgery in Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid surgeries can be done through the armpit. This avoids ugly scars on the neck. The only requirement is a body mass index under 30.
da Vinci allows access to the thyroid gland through the armpit. Many surgeries can be done without a big scar on the neck. This is because the incision is in the armpit.
Robotic thyroid surgeries avoid neck scars. They also lower the risk of nerve damage.
Three Dimensional Camera
Da Vinci has two cameras for a 3D view. The surgeon sees a magnified image on a console. This is very close to real vision.
- Surgical Instruments
- The arms have small instruments that move freely. They can twist 540 degrees, like a wrist. This lets surgeons work in tight spots.
- The system also stops tremors. This keeps the instruments steady. The surgeon always controls the instruments.
- Surgeon Console
- The surgeon sits at the console. They see the surgical site in 3D. They use hands and feet to control the instruments.
- Robot-assisted surgery uses thin tubes. One arm has the camera, the others have instruments. Another surgeon helps nearby.
- Three Dimensional Image
- The robotic system shows the surgical site in 3D. This helps avoid injuries. The surgeon controls the camera for better views.
- Movement Capability in Robotic Surgery
- The instruments can move like a human wrist. They can twist 180 degrees and extend far. This allows access to most body parts.
Tremor is Eliminated
Robotic arms can move without tremors. This reduces errors in surgeries. It’s especially helpful for high-risk areas.
Physical Conditions in Surgery
Surgeons often stand during surgeries. But, standing for long times can be hard in long surgeries. In robotic-assisted surgery, they sit and control the surgery from a console.
This setup reduces physical stress. It also helps the surgeon focus better on the surgery site.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Obese Patients
Excess fat in obese patients can make surgeries tough. Yet, robotic surgery systems are used in many medical fields. This includes urology, cardiology, gynecology, and general surgery.
Many operations can be done even in very obese patients.