Robotic Surgery, Not Science Fiction
Robotic surgery is no longer theoretical or fantastical, becoming commonplace in care centers for minimally invasive procedures. Robotic-arm-assisted surgery is often preferred secondary to advantages such as improving the surgeon’s field of vision, more mobility thanks to the robot’s hands, and reduced physician fatigue. Furthermore, the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery are not limited to specific patient populations. Almost all patients can benefit from a care regime customized to the individual patient with improved accuracy. Robotic surgery allows doctors to use medical and technological improvements to produce exact results with fewer complications and minimal scarring.
Laser-sharp focus
Robotic assistance helps doctors better plan surgeries with data-driven 3-D imaging using a potent combination of artificial intelligence and surgical input. Many physicians recommend robotic assistance as an important way to improve a procedure’s focus and accuracy. The robotic arm positions a surgeon’s tools to operate only one plane at a time which boosts precision and ensures quality control. One study noted that robotic assistance can reduce error by 68% when compared to manual operation by a surgeon. The robotic assistant notably boosts safety by keeping the surgeon from going outside the specified dimensions of the procedure.
Overcoming roadblocks to recovery
Anytime large body parts are left uncovered, such as during traditional open surgery, the risk of infection rises. Robot-assisted surgery allows for faster recovery thanks to tiny, minimally-invasive incisions. As a result, robotic-arm assisted surgery often leads to a lower risk of infection and minimal scarring. Some doctors note that robotic surgery is particularly helpful for performing delicate and complex procedures that have historically been difficult or impossible with traditional surgical intervention. Mainstream surgeries such as partial knee replacements, colon and rectal interventions and specific urological procedures are broadly performed with robotic assistance. While specific training is needed to work efficiently with the robotic-arm, initial data speaks to the subspeciality’s potential.
From science fiction to reality
While robotic-arm assisted surgery once seemed like a science fiction fantasy, top surgeons tout the benefits of inorganic assistance. Initial data reveals that robotic partial knee replacements fail less than standard partial knee replacements, highlighting the possibility for growth in the field. Artificial intelligence robots can help surgeons make decisions by rapidly sorting diverse sources of information, including patient risk factors, anatomy, health history, patient values and cost. By combining machine learning with human innovation, orthopedic surgeons can optimize clinical performance and overall patient safety.
