Robotic Surgery

robotic surgery,

the performance of operative procedures with the assistance of robotic technology. It allows great precision and is used for remote-control, minimally invasive procedures. Current systems consist of computer-controlled electromechanical devices that work in response to controls manipulated by the surgeon.

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Robotic Surgery

The use of robotic devices—e.g., Intuitive Surgical’s DaVinci system—which have miniaturised cameras and precision lasers to conduct minimally invasive surgical procedures—e.g., prostatectomy, cystectomy, and many other procedures. One surgeon sits at a console near the opened patient and has 3-D images of the site and manipulates laparoscopic tools with hand and foot controls; the second surgeon controls suction, exposure of the operative field, retraction and changes the robot’s tools
Pros Precision due to three-dimensional magnification, and device articulation beyond that of conventional surgery, miniaturization, smaller incisions, decreased blood loss, less pain, quicker healing time
Cons Expense; each DaVinci costs nearly $2 million