Robotic surgery, also called robot-assisted surgery, is a type of minimally invasive surgery performed by a computer-controlled machine. Robotic surgery has recently increased in popularity due to its potential advantages over traditional surgery, such as smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times.
Various diseases and conditions that can be treated with robotic surgery are detailed below:
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men, is often treated with robotic surgery. During robotic prostatectomy, a robotic system is used by the surgeon to cut into the prostate gland and surrounding tissue. Compared to open surgery, the advantages of robotic prostatectomy include shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and faster recovery.
Gynecological conditions: Numerous gynecological conditions, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and uterine cancer, are often treated with robotic surgery. For example, during a robotic hysterectomy, the surgeon uses a robotic system to remove the uterus. Smaller incisions, less discomfort, and faster recovery are advantages of robotic hysterectomy over open surgery.
Colorectal conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and rectal cancer are just a few of the colorectal conditions that can be treated with robotic surgery. For example, during a robotic colectomy, the surgeon uses a robotic system to remove part of the colon. Compared with open surgery, advantages of robotic colectomy include shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and faster recovery.
Urological conditions: Many urological conditions, including kidney, bladder and prostate cancer, are also treated with robotic surgery. For example, during robotic nephrectomy, the surgeon uses a robotic system to remove the kidney. Compared with open surgery, advantages of robotic nephrectomy include shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, and faster recovery.
Cardiothoracic conditions: Numerous cardiothoracic conditions, including coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysms, and mitral valve prolapse, are also treated with robotic surgery. For example, during a robotic coronary artery bypass procedure, a robotic system is used by the surgeon to bypass blocked coronary arteries. Compared to open surgery, robotic coronary artery bypass surgery has advantages such as shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and faster recovery.
Gastrointestinal conditions: Various gastrointestinal conditions such as stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and hiatal hernia are also treated with robotic surgery. For example, during a robotic gastrectomy, the surgeon uses a robotic system to remove part of the stomach. Compared to open surgery, the advantages of robotic gastrectomy include shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and faster recovery.
Head and neck diseases: Numerous head and neck conditions are also treated with robotic surgery, including thyroid cancer, parathyroid cancer, and laryngeal cancer. For example, during robotic thyroidectomy, the surgeon uses a robotic system to remove the thyroid gland. Smaller incisions, less discomfort, and faster recovery are advantages of robotic thyroidectomy over open surgery.
Robotic Surgery for the Treatment of Various Diseases and Conditions
Various diseases and conditions are treated with a minimally invasive surgical technique called robotic surgery. Prostate cancer, gynecological, colorectal, urological, cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal and head and neck conditions are some of the most common conditions treated with robotic surgery.
Overall, robotic surgery has advantages over traditional surgery, including smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times. While the use of robotic surgery should be decided on a case-by-case basis after careful consideration of the patient’s unique medical needs and circumstances, it is important to note that not all patients are candidates for this procedure.
It is also important to keep in mind that robotic surgery is a relatively new technology and more research is needed to fully understand both its potential advantages and disadvantages in the long term. However, the evidence to date shows that robotic surgery is a safe and reliable choice for the treatment of a range of diseases and conditions.
If you are considering robotic surgery to treat a particular condition, it is very important to review all your options with your medical team. They can help you understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of robotic surgery and decide on your treatment.
Reference: Çal, Ç. (2012). Prostate cancer in the age of robotic surgery.Urooncology Bulletin, 11(2), 150-5.
Source:
https://utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/robotic-surge
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/robotic-surgery/about/pac-20394974
Prof. Dr. Gökhan Koç graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2000. After his graduation, he worked as a research assistant in the urology clinic at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital for 5 years and became a specialist doctor in 2007. He currently provides services in urological surgery in İzmir.