Robotic surgery, which is also referred to as robot-assisted surgery, helps doctors carry out various complex procedures with much more flexibility, precision, and control, which is impossible with conventional techniques. Thus, complicated procedures have been made easier due to robotic surgeries. Robotic surgery is minimally invasive, and a computer-controlled robot is utilized to perform specific surgical procedures.
In the case of robotic surgeries, the incisions are smaller compared to the open ones (conventional surgery with incisions), resulting in fewer scars. Also, the level of discomfort after the surgery is less. Such robotic surgeries also help lessen the trauma the patient has to undergo as the procedure is performed through small ports rather than large incisions.
As compared to the traditional open and laparoscopic surgeries, the instruments used in robotic surgery can reach areas of the patient’s body that are quite hard to reach through smaller incisions. Thus, delicate and complex procedures which may be impossible or difficult are made easier with robotic surgery. To carry out the surgery, miniaturized instruments and cameras are inserted into the patient’s body through the tiny incisions made by the surgeons. With the help of a nearby console, the surgeon handles the instruments to carry out the operation.
Benefits of robotic surgery
Robotic surgery makes minimally invasive surgery possible and has several benefits associated with it. Some of the benefits have been listed below:
- The patient has to spend less time in the hospital if they have opted for robotic surgery and the recovery time is also faster as less tissue damage is involved in such a case.
- The process is also less painful as compared to other open surgery.
- Along with fewer complications, there are fewer chances of infections due to smaller incisions.
- Minimal scarring and blood loss are other advantages of robotic surgery.
- The surgeon performing the surgery has a clearer view of the operation. Thus, it helps them in making better decisions.
- Compared with traditional methods, robotic surgery has clearer visuals as the surgeon has better flexibility and dexterity.
Types of robotic surgery
Repairing a hernia involves strengthening the tissue area which has weakened. While traditional open surgery includes larger incisions and needs more recovery time, in robotic hernia surgery, the surgeon inserts small instruments into the incisions and completes the process. The surgeon gets excellent three-dimensional images of the inside of the abdomen and carries out the procedure. The scar is also tiny compared to the larger incision scar one gets from open surgery. Thus, in short, it is minimally invasive. Furthermore, the patient has to bear less pain, and the recovery time is also less compared to open surgery.
Such surgeries include cholecystectomy, which means removing the gallbladder. The surgeons can now perform the surgery with a single incision due to robotic surgical systems. Thus, less blood loss is reported, and the scars are also fewer. Compared to conventional open surgery, the healing time after the surgery is also less, and the patients can very well return to work at the earliest. Robotic gallbladder surgery in Gurgaon has witnessed a tremendous success rate. If you want to opt for this surgery, you can consult the doctor and discuss the pros, cons, and cost in advance.
Going through weight loss surgery can change your life for the good as it helps change your appearance and improves your eating habits. Robotic bariatric surgery is a good option for people who have obesity and are living with diabetes. This surgery also promises to reduce the fat which has ‘accumulated’ and may also help people with diabetes to go off without insulin. As discussed earlier, robotic bariatric surgery provides a better vision to the surgeon during the operation. The incision is minimal, and there is a better range of motion while carrying out the procedure. However, it is always better to consult the surgeon to find out if you are a suitable candidate for such surgeries.
When a part of the stomach moves upward into the chest, a hiatal hernia occurs. While not everyone with a hiatal hernia needs to undergo surgery, people who face severe complications like heartburn, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), among others, must opt for the same. Among various procedures, Nissen Fundoplication is the most common and the least invasive, where the surgeon makes tiny incisions in the abdomen and carries out the procedure. The process has fewer chances of infection and involves less scarring too. The other processes include Endoluminal Fundoplication, which is even less invasive than laparoscopic. However, it has its limitations. Another non-surgical alternative to address hernia and reflux is Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), where instead of incisions, an endoscope is placed in the esophagus for tightening it.
Robotic surgery cost in India
Although the cost of robotic surgeries is a bit higher than regular procedures due to effectiveness and efficiency, the robotic surgery cost in India is cheaper compared to other places like the US, the UK, and Singapore, among others. Also, the cost varies and depends on various factors like:
- The hospital in which the patient is choosing to undergo the surgery
- The type of surgeon involved in the process
- The age of the patient as well as the patient’s medical history and condition
- The room which the patient is selecting for stay as well as the insurance for cashless benefits. Thereby, you must get in touch with your insurance company to get information about the scheme and process.
Although the surgery might be a bit expensive, the cost is worth it as the decreased trauma after the surgery, faster recovery, and less stay in the hospital justifies the cost.
Risks, complications, and recovery time associated with robotic surgery
The safety of the procedure depends on the surgeon who is performing it. The chances of successful surgery are much higher when the surgeon is informative and well trained to use the robotic surgical system. The risks involved may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to the organs
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood clots
- Bloating
- Difficulty in passing urine, among others.
The recovery time is much shorter as compared to traditional methods. The patient can be able to eat a few hours after the surgery and can get discharged earlier. However, your overall physical condition, your body’s reaction to the surgery, the type of anesthesia used, etc., also determines the recovery time as some people may have to spend more time in the hospital than others.
What is the success rate of robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery may last for 1-4 hours. At times, it may take more than the usual time, depending on the medical condition of the patient and the severity involved. The success rate of the surgery is high, and it depends on factors like the patient’s age, medical history, type of surgery the patient has undergone, the surgeon performing the surgery, etc.
Robotic surgery is witnessing a steep rise everywhere. It can treat conditions like general surgery, head and neck surgery, colorectal surgery, heart surgery, endometriosis, and urologic surgery, among others. Although most people are ideal candidates for this surgery, it is better to consult the doctor to know if you are the right candidate for this surgery as you will get to know about the benefits and risks involved in the process as every person’s body responds to every treatment in different ways.
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