There have been significant changes in medical technologies during the last decades. Operations that required making extensive incisions and a rather long period for rehabilitation are performed now with minimal incisions. Thus, patients’ concerns and expectations have also changed. In addition to the question about the operation itself, they are interested in the recovery period, postoperative pain, and the possibility of leaving marks after the operation.
This is one of the reasons why robotic-assisted surgeries are becoming more common.
One of the systems used today, Da Vinci (Single Port) Robotic Surgery, is worth mentioning as it provides an opportunity to perform surgery through one single incision, not several separate ones.
Specialized hospitals providing advanced technologies in treatment, including Liv Hospital, have begun to apply robotic-assisted surgery systems in various specializations requiring minimally invasive procedures.
What the “Single Port” System Actually Means
A lot of people hear the term robotic surgery and assume the robot performs the operation by itself. That isn’t how the system works.
The surgeon is in control during the entire procedure. The robotic platform simply translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller and more precise movements inside the body.
The “single port” part refers to the fact that the camera and instruments are inserted through one opening rather than multiple incisions. Traditional minimally invasive surgery often requires several ports. This system was developed to reduce that number.
For patients, that difference may not sound huge at first, but smaller access points can matter when it comes to recovery and overall comfort afterward.
How the Surgery Is Performed
The patient undergoes general anesthesia first before the surgery takes place. As soon as the surgical team is ready, a cut is made for the entry of surgical instruments as well as a camera into the body.
The doctor uses a console that is located in the surgery theatre to perform the procedure by using the three-dimensional view of the area. The images are magnified and very detailed.
What surgeons like most in robotic surgery is the flexibility of the instruments. They can manipulate the robotic arms and make them move in different ways and directions that regular surgical instruments fail to do. It is beneficial when dealing with narrow areas of the body.
As soon as the procedure ends, the instruments are withdrawn and the incision is sealed.
Where Doctors Use This Technology
The Da Vinci SP system is now used in several areas of medicine.
Urology
This is probably one of the most common areas for robotic-assisted surgery. Procedures involving the prostate, kidneys, and bladder may be performed using the system.
Gynecology
Some gynecological procedures can also be done with robotic assistance, particularly when doctors want a minimally invasive approach.
Head and Neck Surgery
In selected cases, surgeons are able to remove tumors through the mouth instead of making larger external incisions.
General Surgery
Certain colorectal procedures, gallbladder operations, and hernia repairs may also be performed using robotic systems depending on the condition being treated.
Why Some Patients Prefer Minimally Invasive Surgery
Recovery is often among the foremost concerns that most people will have before undertaking any surgical procedure. No one wishes to take much time recovering from their pain or inability to move freely.
Among the characteristics that are usually linked with minimally invasive procedures include:
- the creation of small incisions
- a reduced length of stay in the hospital,
- less discomfort during recovery and
- a rapid return to normalcy.
Needless to say, there are many factors that determine how successful one’s recovery process will be.
Things Patients Should Still Keep in Mind
Even if the use of robotic technology seems like an advanced approach to surgery, it remains surgery nonetheless. Hence, there will be dangers that come along with it, similar to those of other surgical procedures.
In making a decision on whether robotic surgery should be used or not, doctors normally consider various factors such as:
- patient’s overall health status,
- past surgical experiences,
- complexity of the disease being treated,
- and suitability of minimally invasive surgical access in carrying out the operation.
Surgical expertise also plays a vital role here.
Recovery After the Procedure
While some of the patients may get back on their feet very quickly following minimally invasive surgery, others may require longer recovery periods.
In most cases, people should follow some general rules concerning the consumption of prescribed medications, physical activities, etc. Although it may be minimally invasive surgery, it is still important that patients recover well.
Final Thoughts
The trend of robotic surgery in today’s health care industry will grow because of the incorporation of equipment and facilities meant for supporting more precise surgery and the comfort of the patients. One such example includes the Da Vinci Single Port which demonstrates that surgery is now moving towards being less invasive.
Examples of the healthcare facilities offering robotic-assisted surgical procedures include Liv Hospital.
