Are Robots Performing Surgery?
Our world is moving at an incredibly rapid rate. It’s almost impossible to keep up with the advances in technology just in our phones, let alone more complex areas. So, when you hear about a robotic surgical system, you may be thinking, “Well, that’s it! People have truly been replaced. Now, nobody will go to medical school because robots are going to do it all. And, what happens if the robot breaks down and we have no doctors? This is crazy!” Well, if that was the case, you would be right – that would be crazy! But, robots have not taken over the medical field or the jobs of skilled physicians and surgeons.
The da Vinci Surgical System IS a robotic system, but it is not controlled by a robot! It is controlled by a genuine surgeon. So, perhaps now, instead of panic you feel a bit curious. What is this new surgical system? It is a surgical system used for performing laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. It was approved by the FDA in 2010.
Why would your doctor choose to use this robotic surgical system and why should you be alright with him/her using it? The da Vinci Surgical System actually has some excellent benefits. It offers the surgeon a 3D high-definition view inside your body while performing the surgery. Your surgeon can get a full view of what is going on in the whole area around the surgery site. The more information a surgeon has, the better for everyone.
The instruments used can bend and twist in ways the human hand can’t move. So, if there is something that would be difficult for the doctor to reach or an angle that would be very difficult for his wrist, he doesn’t have to try to manipulate his own hand to accomplish it when using the surgical system! The surgeon is controlling the system’s movements at all times. The surgeon, in conjunction with the surgical system, can accomplish smaller, more precise movements within the patient’s body. The less “digging around,” the easier the recovery after surgery. Additionally, the incisions are laparoscopic which is a very small incision. This results in quicker healing and minimal scarring for the patient. The smaller incision also reduces the risk of infection for the patient. It is definitely a win-win situation.
Dr. Diego Velarde, the owner of Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute located in Rockledge, is a pioneer in Brevard County for use of the da Vinci Surgical System. He performs a wide variety of surgeries from Melbourne, FL bariatric surgeries to hernia surgeries to cancer-related surgeries. He uses the system whenever possible to make the surgery and its subsequent recovery as easy as possible. He believes in being as non-invasive as possible to help his patients have the best recovery possible.