The days of large, unappealing scars and long recovery times from traditional surgeries are in the past. Today, surgeons use robotic medical devices to complete a wide range of surgical procedures. This alternative to more invasive practices provides surgeons with more precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with conventional techniques. That leads to a higher quality of care for patients.
Even as robotic surgery becomes more common, some people still have doubts. Richmond University Medical Center provides outstanding robotic surgery for patients in the Staten Island, NY, area. Here, we discuss the top advantages of robotic surgery and what patients can expect.
How Does Robotic Surgery Work?
The process of robotic surgery begins very similarly to traditional surgery. Patients are transported to an operating room, where they are administered anesthesia. From there, surgeons operate a robotic surgical system to perform the procedure.
While situated at a high-definition, magnified console, the surgeon operates the surgical system, beginning with a small incision. Surgeons make the incision large enough to insert a thin tube housing a camera (endoscope). The endoscope provides the surgeon with clear views of the surgical site.
With the endoscope in place, the surgeon can now begin performing the procedure. The robotic system precisely mimics the surgeon’s hand movements.
Assisting the Surgeon
Surgical procedures require surgeons to be meticulous and precise with their movements. For medical professionals conducting the procedure, a surgical robot enhances precision, flexibility, and control during the operation. The robotic surgical system’s 3D, high-definition vision system and magnified viewing monitor allow the surgeon to see the surgical sight more clearly than traditional techniques.
In addition, robotic surgery provides surgeons with superior dexterity. With a greater range of motion than the human wrist, surgeons using robotic surgical systems can successfully navigate hard-to-reach areas with fewer disturbances to surrounding tissues.
Finally, robotic systems benefit surgical teams by eliminating bending and stretching. Surgeons typically stretch and bend throughout a traditional procedure to reach difficult surgical sites. With robotic systems, surgery can be completed using minimally invasive techniques, meaning bending and stretching is unnecessary. That reduces the risk of injury for surgeons and their support staff.
Benefiting the Patient
The primary advantage of robotic surgery for patients is faster recovery times. No matter the type of surgery a patient has, whether using a robotic surgical system or traditional methods, patients will experience some degree of tissue damage, beginning with the incision itself. The improved accuracy and precision of robot-assisted surgery means less damage to surrounding tissues, which decreases bleeding and swelling after surgery, too. That translates to faster healing and quicker recovery times, allowing patients to return to everyday activities quicker.
Patients often dread surgery because of the scars that are left behind. The smaller incisions produced by robotic surgery result in smaller-sized and much more difficult-to-see scarring. Additionally, the tinier incisions reduce the risk of infection and other complications post-operation, as well.
Furthermore, patients who opt for robotic surgery often enjoy shortened hospital stays. Surgeons can perform many robot-assisted procedures on an outpatient basis or with limited time in the hospital.
Learn More About Robotic Surgery
Richmond University Medical Center is dedicated to improving the quality of care provided to patients by using the latest advancements in medical technology. Our robotic surgery team uses da Vinci robotic surgical systems to perform a host of procedures with greater efficiency, as well as promote a speedier recovery for our patients in the Staten Island, NY, area.
For more information about robotic surgery and its advantages, contact us today or make an appointment.
