How we perform surgical procedures has advanced rapidly in recent years, and a number of hospitals in the UK now use robotic technology in surgery.
If you have heard of robotic surgery, you might wonder what it entails, and whether it has any benefits compared to traditional methods. If so, keep reading and discover the advantages of robotic surgery with Mr Achal Khanna.
What is robotic surgery and how does it work?
Robotic surgery uses advanced robotic technology to assist surgeons when performing surgery. This type of surgery provides precision and promotes faster recovery.
In robotic surgery, the surgeon uses robotic arms with surgical tools and a camera attached, making complex surgical procedures simpler. First, small incisions are made into the abdomen to insert instruments into the body.
The arm with a camera attached will then relay high-definition, magnified 3D images back to a screen visible to the surgeons, providing them with a clear picture of the inside of your body. The robotic arms are controlled remotely by the surgeon, who uses the relayed high-definition imaging to guide them.
Using tools with more precision and manoeuvrability can enhance the procedure and make it quicker to complete.
Is it different to laparoscopic surgery?
Robotic surgery is different to laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery uses long, thin implements to perform surgery through small incisions. It also uses a camera to provide precise 2D images for the surgeons.
Surgeons typically use laparoscopic surgery to diagnose different conditions and to examine your organs. In contrast, they use robotic surgery to complete procedures like gallbladder removal.
Laparoscopic surgery can have advantages over traditional surgery, but it doesn’t have the precision or dexterity of robotic surgery.
What is robotic surgery used for?
Surgeons use robotic surgery for many different medical specialities and procedures.
The most common procedures where robotic surgery helps include gallbladder removal and hernia surgery, as well as treating heart, digestive system, prostate and bladder conditions treated by surgery.
At Mr Achal Khanna’s Private Practice in Milton Keynes, we use the latest Versius robotic surgery for gallbladder removal and hernia surgery. By using robotic surgery, our patients can benefit from reduced scarring and bleeding and enhanced recovery.
Does robotic surgery take longer?
Robotic surgery can sometimes take longer than traditional surgery but not because it isn’t as efficient. Robotic surgery can take longer as it takes more time to set up the robotics when preparing the operating room.
However, the surgery itself tends to be faster than traditional surgery.
We use the latest robotic technology during our procedures. Versius robotic surgery ensures high accuracy when performing surgery which reduces the chance of complications. This means that the time spent completing the surgery can also be reduced as the cutting-edge technology supports the surgeons throughout.
Although the initial set-up of robotics can take longer than traditional surgery, the benefits of robotic surgery greatly outweigh this slight time increase.
What are the advantages of robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery has many advantages when used in surgical procedures for patients and surgeons.
For example, robotic surgery reduces blood loss as smaller incisions are made. This precision means there is less risk of complications due to blood loss during the surgery. And because robotic surgery creates smaller incisions, it also means that you will have reduced scarring.
Using robotic technology in surgery means that surgeons have greater precision when completing the procedure, yielding excellent treatment results. Robotic surgery promotes faster healing with a reduced recovery time due to the smaller incisions and reduced blood loss.
Having your surgery completed with the assistance of robotic technology can significantly improve your operation’s success and outcome.
Is robotic surgery safe?
Some people may have reservations about robotic surgery as they may not know enough about it to feel comfortable with its use during their procedures. However, robotic surgery is extremely safe.
- The robotic system has built-in safety checks and fail-safes, so you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.
- The 3D imaging also provides surgeons with real-time feedback without delays. This feedback ensures that they can perform the surgery smoothly and respond to any complications immediately, although complications are rare.
- Robotic surgery is much more precise, significantly reducing the risk of human error during surgery.
It’s worth remembering that before surgeons can use robotic technology, they must undergo rigorous training and certification to use them correctly. This strict accreditation ensures they perform robotic surgery at the highest of abilities for accuracy, safety and excellent results.
Not all hospitals offer robotic surgery, as it is costly to purchase and train surgeons. Therefore, any hospital that uses it has carefully considered the cost and ensured proper training for their surgeons.
Complications and risks
All surgeries and medical procedures have potential risks and complications — including robotic surgery. However, these risks are minimal and rarely occur.
Some risks and complications can include infection, tears, or cuts to tissue or surrounding organs. But these risks can happen in any surgery, not just robotic.
Scar tissue from previous surgery may also make it harder for the robotic arms to manoeuvre, so you must let your surgeon know of any other surgeries you may have had.
The benefit of robotic surgery is that the advanced technology reduces the risk of complications, making it an effective surgery method.
Get in touch
Robotic surgery is making great waves in the medical world — and for all the right reasons. The advancements that this technology has made have not only improved the process for surgeons but for patients as well.
If you have any questions about robotic surgery or wish to discuss any health problems you are experiencing that can be helped by robotic surgery, contact us at Mr Achal Khanna’s Private Practice in Milton Keynes.