Be a Part of Advanced Robotic Surgery Revolution in India
India could become the preferred destination for advanced robotic surgery in the future, - says Dr Rajiv Yadav, consultant urologic oncology and robotic surgery, Medanta, The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon.
What does a robotic surgeon do?
A robotic surgeon performs advanced laparoscopic surgery for both cancerous and noncancerous conditions using a surgical robot. With the use of robots there is enhanced surgical precision, minimal blood loss, lesser pain, smaller surgical scars, faster recovery and earlier return to work.
How much does robotic surgery contribute to reducing risks? Although the robot is merely a surgical tool and the skill of a surgeon is paramount, it allows a surgeon to perform a more precise surgery, which transforms into lesser blood loss, better reconstruction of tissue architecture and thus better overall outcomes.
Specialisations required? Do surgeons have to look after the maintenance of the machines?
Robotic surgery is a superspeciality. One needs to have basic surgical training and then undergo fellowship training for two to three years in a high-volume centre before one is qualified to perform independent surgeries.
Maintenance of the equipment is handled by biomechanical engineers who are specially trained to look after the machines.
Does one need knowledge of engineering to operate the machines?
Although the surgeon need not have any specific knowledge of engineering, he or she should be well versed with the machine and about the problems usually encountered with the use of hardware. This helps in case there are problems during surgery.
Does a surgeon also contribute to the development of surgical devices/robotic systems?
Robotic surgeons do take part in the development of the device by giving valuable feedback about the instruments. The development of suitable instruments is a continuous process. Regular changes are done in the type of robotic instruments used in various types of surgeries by utilising the feedback given by surgeons.
For example, specific instruments are designed for use in cardiothoracic surgery which can be used only for heart surgery. Better designs of instruments are available for more efficiency. Similarly, now various energy sources like Lasers, Harmonic and Electrocautery have also been incorporated into surgical robots, making surgery safer and efficient.
When is robotic surgery recommended?
Robotic surgery is done for a variety of cancerous and noncancerous conditions among various specialities. In urology, it is primarily used to treat prostate cancer, urinary bladder cancers, kidney cancers and certain congenital conditions of kidneys.
The Indian scenario?
Regarding the scenario for robotic surgery in India, there are three main limitations: There are limited number of surgical robots primarily because of high initial and recurring cost of maintenance. Secondly, there is lack of awareness among the general public as well as physicians regarding the benefits of robotic surgery. Thirdly, there is also lack of a referral system.
Despite the highly expensive instruments, the benefits of robotic surgery are significant enough in certain conditions such as prostate cancer so as to justify its wider application. The need of the hour is to create greater awareness among physicians and surgeons regarding the benefits of robotic surgery.
Author: Ayesha Banerjee (HT Horizons)
Date: 6th January, 2011
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