Why Robotic Surgery is the Future of Urology and its Advantages? - Dr Rahul Yadav

What Is Robotic Surgery?

A surgical robot is a self-powered, computer-controlled device that can be programmed to aid in the positioning and manipulation of surgical instruments, enabling the surgeon to carry out more complex tasks. Systems currently in use are not intended to act independently from human surgeons or to replace them.

Robotic surgery is referred to as the future of urology in the modern day medical industry. It is an advanced type of minimally invasive surgery, or laparoscopic surgery wherein the robotic surgeon uses a computer-controlled robot for assisting in the surgical procedures.

The surgical robots are self-powered and computer-controlled. Their basic function is to be programmed so that they can be used in positioning of the surgical instruments for greater accuracy and flexibility.

The robotic surgeon views the inner body parts through a 3-D camera which is attached to a fourth robotic arm, which magnifies the surgical site.

The dexterity associated with the robots ‘hands’ allows the robotic urology doctor to perform complicated surgeries even in the tight areas of the body. Complex surgeries which were earlier only performed with open surgeries which require longer recovery periods, are today successfully done using robotic surgery.

Advantages of robotic surgery for the patient are plenty, sole of which are:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Less pain and discomfort
• Speedy recovery
• Faster returning to routine life activities
• Minimal incisions
• Reduced risk of infection
• Less blood loss and transfusions
• Minimal scarring

In addition, the robotic urology doctors also benefit greatly from such latest technologies. A specialist in robotic surgery has,

• Better visualization
• More dexterity, and
• Enhanced precision
• More precise surgery overall

When Is Robotics In Uro-Oncology Used?

Robotics is used for surgeries like Robotic Assisted Partial/Radical Nephrectomy/Nephro-ureterectomy, Robotic Assisted Adrenalectomy, Robotic Assisted

Radical Cystoprostatectomy with Intracorporeal Ileal Conduit/Neobladder, Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy, Robotic Assisted Retro-Peritoneal Lymph Node Dissection, Robotic kidney removal, Robotic prostate removal, Robotic bladder removal, Robotic heminephrectomy/Nephrectomy/Partial Nephrectomy, Robot Assisted Ureteral reimplantation/reconstruction.

What Are The Benefits Of Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

There are many benefits to having a Robotic-assisted surgery. A Robotic-assisted surgery benefits you directly—shorter recovery time—as well as indirectly—the surgeon has better visualization, leading to a more precise surgery. Other benefits:

• Your surgeon has greater range of motion and dexterity
• Your surgeon sees a highly-magnified, high-resolution image of the operating field
• Your surgeon has better access to the area being operated on
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less risk of infection
• Less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions
• Less pain
• Faster recovery
• Quicker return to daily routine

Robots and surgeons will continue to evolve. In referral centers, we will likely see more and more difficult procedures performed robotically as experience continues to grow. In addition to the now standardized oncologic surgeries, we will see more complex reconstructions and vascular surgeries (including IVC thrombectomy and kidney transplantation) performed with a robot.

The future of robotics in urology remains bright, with new platforms and technology on the near horizon. The robot battle is set to begin.

Dr. Rahul Yadav is commonly recognised as one of the best robotic uro-oncology doctors in India. Well-renowned for his precision, accuracy and dexterity as a robotic surgeon, he has successfully performed numerous robotic surgeries in the recent past.

Hello I am Rashmi Joshi.