Overview

Robotic surgery is a new and exciting emerging technology that is taking the surgical profession by storm. Surgical robotics is a new technology that holds a significant promise. Robotic surgery is often heralded as the new revolution, and it is one of the most talked about subjects in surgery today. Robot-assisted surgery was developed to overcome limitations of minimally invasive surgery. Instead of directly moving the instruments the surgeon uses a computer console to manipulate the instruments attached to multiple robot arms. The computer translates the surgeon's movements, which are then carried out on the patient by the robot.

Many of current advantages in robotic assisted surgery ensure its continued development and expansion. For example, the sophistication of the controls and the multiple degrees of freedom. Many have made the observation that robotic systems are information systems and as such they have the ability to interface and integrate many of the technologies being developed for and currently used in the operating room.

Benefits

•    3D Visualization.
•    Improved Dexterity.
•    Resistant to radiation and infection.
•    Less blood loss and significantly less pain.
•    Faster recovery and shorter stay in hospitals.
•    Clinically Superior Results.
•    Reduced Risk of Complications.
•    Quicker Recovery Period.
•    Minimize Scarring.
•    In addition to cost efficiency, robotic surgery has several other advantages over conventional surgery, including      enhanced precision and reduced trauma to the patient.
•    Surgeons can become exhausted during those long surgeries, and can experience hand tremors as a result. Even the      steadiest of human hands cannot match those of a surgical robot. Engineers program robotic surgery systems to      compensate for tremors, so if the doctor's hand shakes the computer ignores it and keeps the mechanical arm steady.

Robotic assistants can also decrease the fatigue that doctors experience during surgeries that can last several hours.

Having fewer personnel in the operating room and allowing doctors the ability to operate on a patient long-distance could lower the cost of health care in the long term.

Future of Robotic Surgery

Although still in its infancy, robotic surgery has already proven itself to be of great value, particularly in areas inaccessible to conventional laparoscopic procedures. It remains to be seen, however, if robotic systems will replace conventional laparoscopic instruments in less technically demanding procedures. In any case, robotic technology is set to revolutionize surgery by improving and expanding laparoscopic procedures, advancing surgical technology, and bringing surgery into the digital age.

Furthermore, it has the potential to expand surgical treatment modalities beyond the limits of human ability. Although feasibility has largely been shown, more prospective randomized trials evaluating efficacy and safety must be undertaken. Future systems might include the ability for a surgeon to program the surgery and merely supervise as the robot performs most of the tasks. Many of current advantages in robotic assisted surgery ensure its continued development and expansion. For example, the sophistication of the controls and the multiple degrees of freedom.

The possibilities for improvement and advancement are only limited by imagination and cost. The field of surgery is entering a time of great change, spurred on by remarkable recent advances in surgical and computer technology.

Our Facilities

  • 3D Visualization
  • Clinically Superior Results
  • Quicker Recovery Period
  • Minimize Scarring

Our address

Manipal Hospital
98, HAL Airport Road,
Bangalore - 560017
Telephone:  +91 95911 40000
FAX:  080-2526 6757
E-mail: robotics@manipalhospitals.com

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Media

FAQ's

Q. Do the doctors do the entire surgery, from beginning to end?
Yes, They are present throughout and conduct every step of the surgery. The use of the word robotic is sometimes confusing to people. The doctor's are assisted by the robotic technology; the robot here is an advanced aid which can never function without a doctor supervising it.

Q. What is minimally invasive surgery (MIS)?
The term MIS can be used interchangeably with laparoscopy or endoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is performed through dime-sized (1-2 cm) incisions — also called operating ports. This is in contrast to the much larger incisions used in traditional, open surgery, which are often as large as 6-12 inches long. In cardiac surgery, a conventional "open" approach also involves splitting the breastbone and opening the ribs.

The smaller incisions used in MIS typically enable shorter recovery times and result in less pain, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, fewer infections and reduced hospital stay. While MIS has become standard-of-care for particular surgical procedures, it has not been widely adopted for more complex or delicate procedures – for example, prostatectomy, mitral valve repair etc.

Q. What are the potential benefits of robotic surgery when compared with traditional methods of surgery?
Some possible patient benefits of robotic surgery over traditional approaches have been greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization and improved access. Benefits experienced by patients may include a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, less scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities. None of these benefits can be guaranteed, as surgery can be both patient- and procedure-specific.

Q. Does the robot perform the surgery on its own?
The surgical robot cannot run on its own. Instead, the system is designed to seamlessly replicate the movement of the surgeon's hands with the tips of micro-instruments. The system cannot make decisions, nor can it perform any type of movement or maneuver, without the surgeon's direct input.

Q. Will the surgical robot make the surgeon redundant?
No. On the contrary, the surgical robot is designed to help surgeons advance their technique by enhancing their ability to perform complex minimally invasive surgery. The system replicates the surgeon's movements in real time. It cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own to move the surgical instruments.

Q. What are the advantages of minimally invasive robotic surgery?
Because patients have smaller incisions, they generally have less scarring, less chance of infection, less pain and blood loss, quicker recovery times and fewer complications. Also, minimally invasive surgery is more cost-effective because it requires less medication and shorter hospital stays. Helps perform major surgeries through the smallest of incisions and great precision.

Q. Am I a candidate for minimally invasive robotic surgery?
In general, most patients are candidates for robotic surgery. Your health status and scarring from previous procedures will be considered in a preoperative evaluation.

Disclaimer

This site, its services, and its information, are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for any professional, medical or health advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, surgeon or other qualified healthcare professional before deciding on the surgery or treatment. Medical information changes rapidly and while Manipal Hospital and its content providers make efforts to update the content on the site, some information may be out of date. The images and photographs used on the site are only a graphical representation and the actual equipment/its size and colour may vary depending upon the facility and usage.