Surgery for many is a scary concept. Mentioning it often brings about anxieties of immense pain, disfigurement, and suffering. As beneficial and lifesaving as it can be, many patients put off scheduling their procedures for as long as possible. Delays can lead to poor outcomes and a less than desirable experience. Thankfully, revolutionary advancements in the medical field make many traditional surgical and medical procedures safer to perform and more advantageous to patients via robotics.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic-assisted or robotic surgery is essentially the same as regular surgery, but it’s performed with a special robot system designed exclusively for medical use. The da Vinci Robotic Surgery System is extremely advanced. Since 2000, it continues to be the only advanced robotic system with FDA approval used for most minimally invasive medical procedures.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
The use of robotics continues to transform the surgical experience for both patients and surgeons. On the procedure side: It gives surgeons better dexterity and accuracy so they can perform procedures in more areas of the body. Less space is necessary to access the target area, meaning incisions are tiny, no bigger than an inch in size. Surgeons can also perform more complex maneuvers and procedures thus further enhancing the precision and patient outcome.
The da Vinci Robot surgery system makes surgery a better option for many patients, including those who are normally limited to open surgery. Unlike its name implies, the surgeon remains in control of the procedure from start to finish. Instead of solely relying on his expertise and manual surgical practices, he uses the da Vinci Surgery system and benefits in the following ways:
Stream live images transmitted from inside the patient’s body via a laparoscope, a slender device with an attached video camera and light. The surgeon has a high-definition bird’s eye view of the surgical area on a special monitor. He performs all techniques and maneuvers from a special console that has robotic arms that have greater dexterity and range of motion than humans. Exceptional surgeon expertise and skill are also critical components for successful procedures.
Minimally invasive procedures are not as risky as open and complex medical procedures. Patients gain the following benefits:
Fewer Complications and Risks
All types of surgery come with complication risks. However, larger incisions like those used in traditional operations are associated with higher postoperative infections and side effects. Robotic surgery incisions are so small that infections have less time to develop and set in. Also, the likelihood of bleeding, prolonged swelling, inflammation, bruising, and complications specific to the patient’s situation and procedure developing during recovery is much lower.
Better Post-Operative Cosmetic Appearance
The advanced robotic system, surgical techniques, instruments, and incision locations cause less bruising, swelling, and scarring. Healing is quicker eliminating the risks of unintentional trauma. Patients can go out in public much sooner and spend less time and resources to hide the telltale signs of their procedures.
Faster Recoveries
Smaller and fewer incisions enable patients to heal faster reducing the length of time it takes to completely recover from surgery. Their bodies are not as fragile or sensitive allowing them to enjoy fewer activity restrictions so they can get back to their normal in less time. Patients find it much easier to adhere to their postoperative care instructions, reducing their dependency on pain and postoperative medications.
Less Pain and Physical Discomfort
Robotic-assisted surgeries are less traumatic for patients to endure because there is less pain and physical discomfort while healing. Most minimally-invasive surgeries do not require sutures so the
Shorter Hospital Stays
Robotic surgery shortens the length of time patients remain in the hospital or surgical center. Instead of having to remain an inpatient for several days to weeks under medical observation, robotic surgery patients can go home in as little as a few hours. Longer or more complex procedures may require a longer admission before discharge home. Also, some minimally invasive operations require light sedation or anesthesia, allowing them to drive themselves home instead of relying on a third party for transportation.
Better Procedure Results
The da Vinci Robotic surgery system enhances the surgeon’s vision so he can see more of the surgical area while operating in a smaller area. The robotic arms add dexterity so the surgeon can perform more complex maneuvers in tighter and more confined areas with better accuracy for better results and patient outcomes.
Quicker Transition to Advanced Treatments
Because the da Vinci Robot surgery system makes it easier for patients to undergo more basic and advanced medical operations and recover quickly with minimal delays in their treatment plans. Early treatment is critical to advanced disease and cancer management and better outcomes.
Come Discover the Unique Benefits of Robotic Surgery
Though there are many benefits associated with robotic surgery, it is not a feasible option for everyone. There are many things for potential patients to consider in addition to the benefits that may impact their overall situations.
To learn about the unique benefits and risks associated with robotic surgery and alternative minimally invasive treatment options, give us a call for a consultation.
Contact Us
To find out if inguinal hernia repair surgery is right for you, Contact Orange County General Robotic Surgery at (714) 706-1257 for a consultation with Dr. Abtin H. Khosravi.