Robotic Surgery

In the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in the use of new technologies. Coupled with patients’ high demands, gastrointestinal procedures are now handled using robots. Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it is used in operations that require minor cuts. This procedure has been used since the 1970s.

How does it work?

In this procedure, the system uses what looks like arms to hold small objects. It also has a high-definition camera, which has a 3D view and magnifies the surgical area. The surgeon uses a surgical console to control the movement of the instrument and the camera. Understand that this surgery does not replace your surgeon. It is just one of the procedures used to make the operation quicker. Researchers have found that this procedure gives the same results as laparoscopic surgery.

What is Robotic Surgery Used for?

This procedure is used to treat a lot of conditions. However, the most common gastrointestinal problems include upper GI conditions, ovarian and prostate cancers, and other illnesses coming from the liver, esophagus, colorectum, pancreas, and stomach. During this procedure, the process is not very different from that of traditional surgery. What is different is how the surgeon accesses the affected area. Here, the surgeon does not make a large incision or cut, and the equipment used, unlike in the traditional procedure, does not occupy an ample space. In that case, the muscles, tissues, and other organs are not pushed aside. The system cannot operate on a patient on its own. It has to be controlled by a surgeon.

What are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery has many benefits. The surgeon enjoys better visuals, while the patient benefits from a shorter recovery time. Here are more benefits:

• There is less pain during the recovery period
• There is less risk of infection
• Fewer surgical complications
• Less painful
• The patient does not lose too much blood
• The patient gets back to their daily routine quickly
• Smaller scar

The surgeon also benefits. For instance, the system’s arms move better than the human hand. These robot arms rotate in areas that would have been inaccessible. The high-definition camera offers a magnified view of the area being operated on, allowing the surgeon to monitor the blood supply to the organ. Also, with minor cuts, the surgeon can perform the operation entirely inside the body. However, this surgery is only available in medical centers with trained surgeons.

Is Robotic Surgery Right for You?

Robotic surgery increases flexibility, control, and precision. Elite Surgical Miami offers patients a personalized experience. Prior to the operation, a CT scan will be required to create a 3D model of the area. The surgeon then develops a specific plan for the operation and feeds it to the robotic system. During the operation, the system uses the robotic arm to execute the plan under the surgeon’s guidance. The system is fed with the details of each patient, including the anatomy and diagnosis. However, there may be better options for some. Discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with your doctor. Your candidacy will depend on the surgery needed, your overall health, and the expertise of your surgeon.

Robotic Surgery Recovery Time

This operation takes a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery. Depending on the patient’s overall health, they may be out of bed as soon as the anesthesia wears off. Others may eat within a few hours of operation. Some may leave the hospital on the same day or the following day. Depending on the procedure, the doctor will provide at-home care instructions. Some of the general take-home instructions include:

• Rest enough for the period the doctor recommends
• Take it easy on activities and resume gradually
• Do not lift heavy objects until your doctor allows
• Focus on the incision site to catch any infections. Look out for signs such as pus or warmth.

In the case of a fever, pain, nausea, or bloody or yellowish discharge around the incision, call your surgeon. At Elite Surgical Miami, outcomes matter. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Luciano Fiszer, MD, understands that fewer complications during the operation will mean returning to work, going to the gym, and having a daily routine. The surgeon specializes in bariatric/weight-loss surgery and digestive tract surgery. For more information, contact our office today.