How the Surgical Robot works ?

 

In the world of modern surgery, precision, minimal trauma & faster recovery are more important than ever. One of the greatest advancements helping surgeons achieve these goals is Robot assisted surgery, also known as Robotic Surgery.

Let’s see what is a surgical robot - 

Surgical robot is NOT an AUTONOMOUS machine. It doesn’t make decisions or operate on its own. Instead, it’s a sophisticated computer enhanced system, that helps surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures with better control, flexibility & precision than traditional techniques.

Main components of a Surgical Robotic System -

1. Surgeon Console - This is where the surgeon sits on a specialised console, away from the Operating Table. Surgeon gets to see a High definition, 3D image of the Surgical area. Surgeon controls the Robotic arms & Instruments from here.
2. Patient side cart with Robotic arms - It is positioned near the patient. It holds Robotic arms equipped with the surgical Instruments & High Definition 3D camera. Arms replicate the surgeon’s arm movements in real time.
3. Vision Cart - It has a monitor showing a 2D image for the bed side assistant helping in the surgery.

How does the Surgical Robotic System actually works ?

1. Preparation & Docking -

After anaesthesia, the patient is positioned & small 8mm incisions are made over the patients abdomen. The number of incisions & their locations depend upon the type of surgery. Robotic Trocars are inserted & Robotic arms are docked to these trocars. Robotic camera & the required instruments are inserted through these trocars & are fixed to the robotic arms.

2. 3D Visualization -

Robotic camera offers high definition, 3D vision to the surgeon’s console, offering a magnified & immersive view of the operative field

3. Surgeon in command -

The surgeon sits comfortably at the console & uses control like Joysticks & Foot pedals to guide the Robotic arms. Surgeon’s hand movements are translated into precise micro movements by the Robotic instruments.

4. Surgical precision - 

The Robotic arms move more steadily & accurately than the human hand. They can rotate 540 degrees- more than the human wrist & eliminate natural tremors, giving the surgeon unparalleled dexterity.

5. Procedures completion & Undocking - 

After the surgical procedure is complete, the instruments are removed, Robot is undocked , Trocars are removed & all the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures maintaining the cosmesis.

Common General Surgical Procedures performed Robotically -

1. Gall Bladder Removal ( Cholecystectomy )

2. Hernia Repair - Abdominal wall & Groin Hernia

3. Colorectal Surgeries - like Resection & Anastomosis of Colon, Rectopexy etc

4. Upper GI Surgeries - e.g. Fundoplication, Cardiomyotomy etc

5. Small Bowel Resection & Anastomosis

6. Appendicectomy 

7. Splenectomy