Technology today has completely transformed the healthcare sector. Every day, several lives improve with the advancement in surgical treatment. The advent of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has led to an exciting time as surgeons can now perform complex and new procedures with ease, leading to better clinical outcomes for several lives.
With further progress in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics, medical devices have now enabled clinicians to personalise medicine like never before. Doctors are now able to access revelatory insights into individual patients in real-time, thus making the entire healthcare ecosystem more reliable and accessible.
The success of this assistance is witnessed across varied fields such as spine surgery, cranial surgery, orthopaedics, urology, general surgery, gynaecology, neurology, cardio-thoracic surgery, and gastroenterology, among many others. Leveraging technology with better utilisation of human resources has also helped the hospitals achieve operational cost effectiveness while delivering good outcomes.
Robotic Assisted Surgery: The Game Changer in the Healthcare Sector
Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, enables doctors to execute various types of surgeries and allows them to act with more precision and flexibility, which may not be possible otherwise. The machine integrates advanced computer technology with the experience of the skilled surgeon and provides them with 10x magnified, high-definition, 3D images of the body’s intricate anatomy. The surgeon makes use of the controls in the console to use the special surgical instruments that are smaller, more manoeuvrable, and more flexible than a normal human hand. The robot then replicates the surgeon’s hand movements while minimising hand tremors and allowing the surgeon to operate with enhanced precision, dexterity, and control even during the most complex procedures.
As the technology offers a minimally invasive surgery that results in smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and fewer complications, it also enhances the experience for both surgeons and patients and is rapidly gaining momentum in the healthcare space.
Advantages of RAS
Robotic surgery allows the localization of diseases and provides a highly refined action to address them. The technology also streamlines the preparation and the procedure, allowing a greater number of patients to be treated in the same amount of time. Some of the benefits of RAS are:
• Increased accessibility and better decision making
• Less tissue damage and faster recovery
• Less pain due to smaller incisions and fewer chances of contracting infections
• Minimal blood loss and fewer blood transfusions
• Faster recovery and a shorter stay in the hospital
• Greater precision than the traditional methods
During the recent COVID-19 crisis, healthcare facilities not only utilised robots in the operating room but also in clinical settings to help reduce exposure to pathogens and support the healthcare workers. Due to this, the sector is now witnessing increased demand for robotic surgeries as the procedure allows for social distancing with fewer people around the patient and robot.
Opportunities and the
Way Forward
Robotics in healthcare is a welcome approach. The technological dimensions that they offer can allow us to transition from a traditional care approach to a more modern one. With technologies evolving at break-neck speed, robots will function more autonomously and eventually perform certain tasks on their own that will allow doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers to spend more time providing direct care to the patients.
RAS not only play a critical role in training young medical professionals to become more efficient future surgeons but will also enhance the healthcare infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 hospitals, further ensuring that they are on par with the hospitals in metropolitan areas.
While the acceptance of robotic surgery is increasing in the country, there is still a need to create greater awareness about the benefits of this type of surgery. Healthcare facilities also need to understand that the focus should not be on acquiring the asset but on developing an entire robotic programme that involves training the surgeons, selecting the disease profile, and planning the cost of the procedure based on the overall plan of cases.
Dr Somashekhar S.P. is Global Director-Lead Consultant- Surgical & Gynaecological Oncology & Robotic Surgeon