What IS Robotic Surgery? Is a Robot Operating?

So, a robot is NOT actually doing the surgery. Sorry to disappoint anyone!!! Robotics refers to a machine that is made to do human functions. In the case of surgery, robotics and computer technology is used to enhance surgical vision and precision in minimally invasive surgery, and there are times when it really is very cool. Let me tell you about how I use it as a general surgeon. Much of this applies to urology and gynecology as well.

The Set Up

We start the case much like we would for the usual laparoscopic/minimally invasive operation in the abdomen. We use slightly different tools to access the belly cavity but same basic concept of entering the belly with a small incision and inflating it like a balloon. We need it to be blown up like a balloon so we can see, move things around, and do our work. Once this is done, we bring the robot arms over the patient and connect them to the patient. The arms are connected to this big machine that houses the mechanics, lighting, and computers. The big machine has big wires that connect to and communicate with the console, kind of like a game console to be honest. Pretty fancy stuff and also super expensive. 

Operating

Once the robotic arms are connected to the patient, tools are attached to the arms. General surgery tools are similar to scissors, pliers of different shapes and sizes and strengths, soldering tips of different shapes and sizes and strengths, staplers, zip ties made of suture thread, and small diameter water hoses, to name a few. Now that the tools are connected to the arms of the robot that are connected to the patient, the surgeon leaves the side of the operating table and sits at the “game console” a few feet away but still in the room. 

The console is like 5 feet tall and about 3 feet wide. We sit on a chair, rest our foreheads against the 3D viewer, place our forearms on the armrests in front of us, and then place our thumb and middle fingers into velcro finger cuffs. The pointer finger sits on top and has its own function. Once we have our hands set and are looking into the viewer, we then have control of the robotic arms connected to the patient and we start the operation!

The robot has been a great addition to how we do some operations. We are always striving to make surgery safer but even with the sophistication we have these days, it still carries risk. The surgical patient has better success through the mindful and thoughtful principles of Integrative Surgical Care, a surgeon-run and whole-patient focused wellness company bridging the philosophies of eastern and western medicines. By taking into consideration details of the surgical experience and melding that with the holistic care of the whole patient, every surgical patient can go into surgery prepared, better tolerate the operation, optimize their recovery, and minimize risk. Surgery is stressful on the mind, body, and spirit, and Integrative’s approach and services helps the patient regain control.

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