Important Information On Robotic Surgery Houston Residents Should Understand

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.

The preparation needed for one to undergo this type of operation is similar to what is required in other operations. For instance, their hemoglobin and platelet levels should be within the acceptable ranges. Drugs likely to increase the risk of bleeding should be stooped at least ten days before the procedure. Depending on the type of anesthesia that is to be used, patients may also be required to fast (for at least 8 hours) so as to reduce the risk of aspiration.

When you are taken to the operating room, you will receive some form of anesthesia (general or regional depending on the condition). The surgeon will then make some incisions in your abdominal wall to be used for the insertion of instruments. The robot is connected to an endoscope that helps to generate images from the site of operation. They will then sit comfortably in the computer station from where they will operate the robot.

The robotic equipment in modern use are capable of projecting 3-D images. This transfers all the events taking place on the surgical area to the screen making it a lot easier for the surgeon to operate. If you happen to be on spinal block you may witness the operation being carried out. Perhaps the biggest strength of these robots is the fact that they can match the hand movements of the surgeon and transfer them to the surgical tools.

There are numerous indications for robot assisted surgeries. They include cardiovascular operations such as coronary artery bypass and mitral valve repair. Others include hernia repair, reduction of tumor masses, hysterectomy, tubal ligation and prostatectomy among others. It is important to note that the method is not effective in the management of very complex operations especially those in which manual manipulation may be 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.

There is a risk of complications but this is a lot lower than that associated with the other techniques. The possible complications that may ensue include reactions to the anesthetic medications, bleeding from the surgical site and infections. In some situations, the surgery may be challenging leading to the use of alternative methods. Adequate pre-operative preparation will help reduce the risk of these complications.




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