The first robotic surgery procedure took place in 1985. Since then, the use of robots as an advanced form of surgery technology has become fairly commonplace.
One of the main advantages of using robotic surgery is better recovery. Read on to learn how advances in colon surgery technology lead to improved recovery outcomes.
Better Preoperative Planning
Proper planning can lead to shorter recoveries and better medical outcomes. Surgeons need to consider the shape of organs and joints before surgery.
In past decades, surgeons used relied on printed x-rays or transparencies. These gave an outline of an area that requires surgery. Now, surgeons can calibrate x-ray machines in conjunction with powerful software systems.
3-D imaging adds even more depth and accuracy to pre-surgery planning. The images can be adjusted and rotated. This allows surgeons to carefully plan their procedures.
The advanced technology that is used in colon surgery minimizes the guesswork. It can even cut down on how long colon resection takes.
Smaller Incisions
Modern robot-assisted surgery units consist of three or four appendages. They are used for instrument manipulation and directing an endoscope. The surgeon controls the robotic arms through a console unit and high-resolution screens.
One of the main advantages of these devices is the ability of surgeons to make incredibly small incisions as part of surgical procedures. Before the advent of robot-assisted surgery, surgeons would have to make large incisions that required multiple sutures.
Smaller incisions result in less bleeding during surgery. It also results in less discomfort after surgery and reduced recovery time.
Lower Risk of Complications
With advances in colon surgery and other surgical procedures, rates of complications are lower than ever. These advances include improvements in imaging, antibiotics, genomic testing, bio-printing, and robotic-assisted surgery.
Robot-assisted technology gives the surgeon a greater range of motion. Robotic-assisted surgery has also been shown to reduce surgeon fatigue. These factors can lead to better patient outcomes.
Improved Precision
Improved precision can be a great help as you recover. Surgeons are able to provide precise cuts and sutures. The results often mean a less invasive procedure and a lower risk of complications.
Surgeons who use robotic-assisted surgery insert instruments via small incisions. The instruments have cameras attached that give the surgeons a magnified and detailed view of the complete surgical site.
Precision means that surgeons are less likely to unintentionally knick or cut a piece of tissue that they did not intend to. The robotic tools respond to the directions of the surgeon through the use of master controls. This results in a higher level of precision.
The robotic tools are flexible and small. Surgeons can complete treatments without damaging or affecting surrounding tissues.
Less Blood Loss
Surgeons create one small incision or multiple small incisions when using robotic surgery techniques. This step allows surgeons to avoid making large incisions that would result in greater blood loss.
In extreme cases, excessive blood loss can lead to organ damage. Vital organs need adequate blood pressure and blood flow to operate properly. Postoperative symptoms of blood loss include fatigue, weakness, and increased heart rate. Headaches, chest pain, and dizziness are other symptoms.
Robotic surgery allows for lower levels of blood loss that minimizes the risk of blood loss and infection. The increased precision also reduces blood loss.
With robotic-assisted technology, there is less tissue manipulation. So parents don’t have to worry about blood loss from organs and tissues surrounding the area being operated on.
Smaller Scars
Advances in surgical techniques, stitching, and robotic-assisted technology leave smaller scars. In past decades, scars were large and unattractive. Today, scars are barely visible.
Small scars blend into the surrounding skin. Patients can easily conceal small scars using clothing. Your surgeon will place scars so that they can be concealed under clothes and bathing suits.
Reduced Post-Surgical Pain
One of the most important benefits of robotic surgery is reduced post-surgical pain. As with any surgery, some pain and discomfort are to be expected. This discomfort can be greatly reduced.
Because robotic surgery technology is less invasive, it results in far less tissue being disturbed. This allows patients to more easily manage their pain afterward.
Reduced pain means a lower reliance on prescription medications. For some patients, this reduces the risk of becoming addicted to pain meds. Opioid abuse remains a major problem with around two million Americans abusing the medications at any time.
Any technology that allows for more precise targeting of tissue can result in reduced pain afterward. Robotic surgical tools make corrections without unnecessarily damaging surrounding tissue. The results are a more comfortable recovery.
Shorter Hospitalization and Recovery
No one wants a long stay in the hospital after surgery. Small incisions translate to a smoother recovery. Because robotic surgeries heal more quickly, there is a lower risk of infection.
With lower risks for complications, doctors can feel confident when sending patients home to recover. Often, patients can return home the day following their procedure. Patients may only need a few days of rest before they can resume light activities.
Robotic surgery often allows patients to return to work around one week after treatment.
Learn More About the Latest in Surgery Technology
Advances in surgery technology allow patients to recover more quickly. The most important advance in surgery involves the increased use of robotic surgery.
At SURGCO, our team is happy to assist you with your robotic-assisted surgery needs. Dr. Valentine and our staff offer the best care possible for our patients. Contact our team online today to learn more.