Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
Overview
Da Vinci robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery performed by using the da Vinci surgical system, devised by an American tech firm called Intuitive Surgical. It has revolutionized surgeries by enhancing the capabilities of surgeons' manifolds in performing delicate and complex surgeries with the least discomfort to the patients and the highest precision with the least human errors. Da Vinci's surgical system can perform a wide range of surgeries which include:
- Cardiac (heart) surgery
- Prostate cancer surgery (prostatectomy)
- Head and neck surgery (Transoral robotic surgery)
- Obstetric surgeries
- and other general surgical procedures like gallbladder removal, hernia, etc.
Alternate Name
Robotic-assisted surgery
Body location
Different cancers of the head and neck region, prostate cancer, hysterectomy, and hernias.
Da Vinci Robotic Surgery Procedure Type
Non-invasive surgical procedure.
Preparation for Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
Preparation for robotic-assisted surgery is similar to other surgical procedures. A preoperative evaluation is done to check whether the patient is a fit candidate for this procedure. All investigations which include a complete blood profile, CT scans, and MRI scans are done before the surgery to know a general status and locate the exact location of the surgery.
In this whole procedure, the patients are kept in a particular position (Trendelenburg position) which can put pressure on the chest and affect respiration in cases of obese and respiratory compromised patients. This should be evaluated before the start of the procedure to avoid any unwarranted disadvantage.
How is Da Vinci's Robotic Surgery Performed?
Da Vinci's robotic surgery is different from conventional procedures in the sense that instead of hands, the surgery is performed by robotic arms under the full control of the surgeon. The whole system consists of:
- A comfortable functionally designed console for surgeons to view and command the robotic arms
- A patient cart with four robotic arms, one of which has a 3D camera attached to provide a magnified image of the surgical area.
- A vision cart to have a magnified 3D view of the surgical field.
During this surgery, the surgeon sits at some distance from the patients and sits on the ergonomic console, and manoeuvres movements that are replicated by the robotic arms. Tiny incisions are made on the body to get inside and the ports or trocars are fitted, through which the surgical instruments are passed. The 3-D camera is also inserted through these holes, which provides a highly magnified view of the surgical area, including the areas that cannot be viewed by the naked eye.
During the whole procedure, the surgeon uses the control system to move the robotic arms. Every hand movement of a surgeon is translated into these robotic arms under full control, enhancing the precision of the surgery with minimal errors.
Advantages of Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
- Least invasive
- Enhanced dexterity and vision of the surgical area
- Less blood loss as compared to standard treatment and fewer chances of infections
Follow-up After Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
After the surgery, the follow-ups are scheduled by the doctors, which are usually 3-7 days after the procedure. Some tests are repeated to ensure the complete removal of diseased tissue. The doctor may ask you to continue the pain medications and antibiotics for a few days to avoid the chance of infections and pain.
Risks Factor Associated with Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
The risks associated with da Vinci robotics are minimal as compared to traditional surgeries. Certain risks which are associated with surgeries are also applicable to robotic surgeries which include pain, issues in wound healing, discomfort, etc. However, these risks are very less compared to open and laparoscopic surgeries.
Recovery from Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
The recovery from da Vinci's Robotic surgery happens more quickly than other traditional surgical methods. Depending on the operation, the patients get back to normal day-to-day activities in a week or less. This is because of the added advantage of less invasion, minimum scarring, and less blood loss work in favor of choosing da Vinci surgery over laparoscopic and open surgeries.