Robotic surgery – is this still science fiction?

Imagine robots operating on humans, controlled from a distance, for example in space, in a war zone or in a remote area where there aren't any specialists available. One of the biggest challenges might still be the lack of secure and fast data transmission – but robotic surgery is not a 'science-fiction scenario' any longer. In first world countries Da Vinci® robotic surgery has been in use since 1999/2000. Today, there are over 3 800 units worldwide, performing hundreds of thousands of operations per year. Robotic surgery in South Africa is mainly used for operations to remove the prostate gland or bladder in patients with cancer.

The robot has a camera arm as well as mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached. The arms are positioned over the patient and through small incisions, the instruments are placed into the body, similar to laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon sits at a console, manipulating the levers – similar to joysticks – to control the arms of the robot, while looking at a high definition 3D picture for a clear and magnified view inside the patient's body.

The knowledge and intelligence needed to give the commands is still the surgeon's; the robotic arms are simply an extension of the surgeon's fingers. While this might sound a bit scary, the robot actually improves the surgeon's fine motor skills by giving him more balanced hand control. A centimetre in the surgeon's hand movement can be set to be a millimetre performed by the robotic arm, resulting in increased precision.

The disadvantages are the high costs for the acquisition of the equipment (around R20 million) and maintenance costs, as well as the specialised training needed for the surgeon. The advantage is that patients can benefit from minimally invasive procedures with smaller incision wounds and, as a result, less loss of blood, less post-operative pain and less risk of wound infection, improved functional outcome and faster healing times. This might also decrease the length of stay in hospital.

Every year, Anglo Medical Scheme sets aside a certain budget for healthcare improvements, so that members, where possible, can benefit from the latest technology available.
Members of the Anglo Medical Scheme, meeting certain clinical criteria, might be offered the option to have Da Vinci® robotic surgery, subject to agreed and applicable limits. Talk to your doctor to find out if you are a suitable candidate and what the best available treatments are in your case.

References

http://www.pinnaclesurgical.co.za
http://www.davincisurgery.com/da-vinci-surgery/da-vinci-surgical-system

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