RoboDoc: The role of robots in revolutionary surgery techniques

July 28th, 2009

By Lucie Smith, Europe

Robotic devices and assistants are starting to be used in a wide variety of surgical disciplines, including urology and vascular procedures.  Despite initial nervousness from surgeons and patients alike the results speak for themselves.
Research shows that surgery performed using robotic assistants have the same, if not better outcomes for patients, with the added benefit of a less invasive procedure, which reduces trauma on the body and speeds recovery time.  Robotic assistants often reduce the time needed for a procedure, freeing up the operating theatre which helps NHS Trusts meet targets and reduce costs.

Whilst research into robotic assistants and devices is compelling, these techniques are not yet commonly used.  However, the development of virtual operations is growing at a faster rate and is already being used by a handful of training hospitals.  Surgeons feed information’s from X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds into a computer model, which creates a virtual patient.  This allows surgeons to ‘practice’, and try out different scenarios prior to deciding on the best course of action and operating on the patient.

In addition, virtual operations have been proven to speed the training process.  The Cochrane Systematic Review looked at 23 trials involving 612 participants and ‘clearly demonstrated the benefits of virtual reality training’.  In another review it was found that training surgeons using virtual reality simulators helps them to learn techniques faster and with greater accuracy meaning the technology could help the UK to cut junior doctors’ working hours to comply with the European Working Time Directive – a constant pressure on surgeons and hospital managers.

The use of robots and virtual operations in surgery has a number of benefits for patients and surgeons.  More people can be treated in expert centres.  Similarly, more complex cases, for example patients with diseased veins which hinder access, can be treated due to the improved level of accuracy.

This is a new way of working for the surgical community, and it will no doubt take some time before we see widespread adoption.  However, combined with the latest minimally invasive techniques and most advanced medical devices it seems that healthcare and technology can continue to combine to provide superior surgical options for patients.

Entry Filed under: Healthcare IT, Medical Devices, Physician Practice