What is robotic surgery?
Robotic or robotic surgery is surgery that is performed using robots. It is a very technologically advanced technique that allows the surgeon to perform surgical procedures in a very precise way. The surgical instruments are attached to the robot’s arms, and the specialist manipulates them by remote control, that is to say, there is no need to be in the operating room in person, since everything can be controlled through a computer station.
The robot reproduces the surgeon’s movements. The advantages of robotic surgery over traditional open surgery are that, since smaller and more precise incisions can be made, the recovery time, as well as the pain associated with the surgery, is less. It is performed under general anesthesia.
Why is it performed?
This type of surgery is very precise and therefore much safer for patients. In addition, small and precise movements are possible thanks to the tools used, in addition to the advantages over traditional endoscopic techniques. The surgeon may take longer to perform this type of surgery, but the degree of precision and safety is much higher. This type of surgery can be performed in different procedures, such as:
- Gallbladder removal.
- Hip arthroplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Kidney transplant
- Pyropoloplasty
- Radical prostatectomy
- Tubal ligation
- Ligation of troops
This type of surgery is very precise and therefore much safer for patients.
What does it consist of?
The surgeon directs, from a computer station, the movements of the robot, which is equipped with the tools he will need during the surgical operation. The surgeon makes small incisions to insert the instruments into the body and a thin tube with a camera, called an endoscope, at one end.
This will allow the surgeon to see three-dimensional images of the inside of the body as the surgery is performed. The robot mimics the specialist’s hand movements to perform the surgery.
Preparation for robotic surgery
During the 8 hours prior to the operation, no food or drink may be taken, and the patient may have to clean the bowels with an enema or a laxative the day before surgery (depending on the type of surgery). In addition, it is important to stop taking anticoagulant medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins and other supplements 10 days before the procedure.
Post-procedure care
The incisions are smaller than in traditional open surgery, so recovery is faster, less painful and less blood is lost. There is also less risk of infection and the hospitalization time is shorter.