Basics On Robotic Surgery Houston Residents Need To Know

By Debra Butler


Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the surgeon to work with the help of a special robot. The robot is attached to surgical instruments and acts like an extension of the hands of the surgeon. It is important to mention that the robot does not conduct the operation unaided contrary to common belief. If they plan on having robotic surgery Houston patients need to know a number of things beforehand.

Just as is the case with all surgical procedures, there is a need for some form of preparation before a potential candidate can undergo the operation. Many of these preparations are similar to those carried out for other operations. They include, for example, having a full blood count to establish the hemoglobin level as well as the number of platelets. Drugs likely to increase bleeding risk need to be stopped at least ten days in advance.

The surgeon will typically sit next to a computer that is located within the operating room. Once anesthesia has been given (whether regional or general), the surgeon will make three small incisions in the area being operated. These incisions are used for the insertion of instruments. An endoscope is inserted through one of the ports of entry and used to transmit the events at the surgical field onto a monitor.

The robotic equipment has been developed in a manner that facilitates the projection of 3-D images. This creates a scenario that is almost similar to what would be experienced if the surgeon was conducting an open surgical operation. If you are anesthetized only at the spinal level then you may witness the operation from a screen (you may need to put in a request for this). The robot transmits hand movements to the surgical instruments.

Robot assisted procedures are indicated for a wide range of conditions. Examples include surgical hernia repair, gynecological procedures such as hysterectomy, tubal ligation (and reversal), coronary artery bypass, reduction of tumor mass, heart valve repair and prostatectomy among others. This option cannot, however, be used when handling complex operations and surgeries where manual manipulation is needed.

Compared to the open technique and other endoscopic options, there are a number of advantages that will be realized. One of them is the fact that greater precision of cutting can be achieved due to the computerized assistance that is used here. This makes it possible to operate in very small spaces without damaging the adjacent structures. The surgeon sits comfortably hence is less likely to suffer from fatigue that is common during long procedures.

There are a number of factors that may contribute to the low uptake of this technique by hospitals as well as individual surgeons. One of the biggest hindrances is inaccessibility of the equipment. The robots are only available in select hospitals. The other challenge is the lack of adequate skills among surgeons. Some of these surgeons would prefer sticking with techniques that they are familiar with.

Some complications may arise from the operations that are conducted using this technique. They include, for example, excessive blood loss, injury to other anatomical organs, reactions to the drugs used for anesthesia and infections in the long term. Generally, the risk here is lower than that associated with conventional endoscopy and open surgery. Proper preparation before the operation will help reduce the risk further.




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