WHAT IS SURGICAL ROBOTICS?

The emerging surgical robotics technology is growing faster by the minute. Facilities are rushing to become the first ones to implement the surgical robotics in their centers, with the belief that the robots will bring a sense of excellence to their medical centers.

The use of robots in the medical field is quite revolutionary. Robots have traditionally been used for other purposes, such as exploring the deep sea, and creating microprocessors used in computers. The transition from manufacturing to medicine has so far been a relatively smooth process, as many facilities are already using robots as a part of their daily routine. Robots equipped with cameras can easily be accessed online so that one can check up on a patient from virtually anywhere. A lot of these robots have already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which has the potential to start a completely new wave of technology within the medical industry.

robotic Restritctions

Since robots are still in the early stages of development, there are a couple of restrictions that they still have. For example, when comparing a human to a robot used today: a robot may only have four degrees of motion in its wrists compared to humans which have seven degrees of motion. Robots would have a tougher time with smaller items, such as human tissue. These restrictions are not as significant as the benefits that robotic surgeons will have, with the use of robots in the operating room there is less chance for human error and a greater chance for perfection.

A lot is riding on this surgical technology as it will not only be beneficial for surgeons and patients, but a lot of insurance companies are looking forward to this technology with hopes that the errors a human can make will be minimized when using robotics.

POSITIVE ASPECTS

On July 11, 2000 the FDA approved the first use of a robot which was named da Vinci System. The da Vinci has the ability to get inside of a body with a tiny incision, versus the traditional way of operating which usually requires large cuts/scares.

Australia has already started using robots in the operating room, and they have seen a positive outcome. The new robots have allowed surgeons to perform operations with improved precision and has helped to eliminate mistakes and accidents. The robot can do much more work than a single person, they do not require as much help as a surgeon would, which means that there is less staff present at the time of surgery.

According to Kevin Bonsor “surgical robots have already been able to perform the following procedures: positioning endoscopes, gallbladder surgery, and correcting gastroesophogeal reflux disorder.” In the future surgical robots are expected to perform many more various types of operations. At this stage the possibilities seem endless.

NEGITIVE ASPECTS

Many of the conventional operations will have to be redesigned to facilitate the use of robotic arms. An initial disadvantage is the large amount of space that the robots will take up in an already crowded operating room, as it will take time before there will be trust of robots to perform on their own. It may be difficult for the robots, and the operating team to work with in a conventional operating room, the overall layout of operating rooms may need to be redesigned. Another huge downfall is the substantial initial investment; with a price tag of one million dollars their high price eliminates them from most hospitals, which are usually already on tightly restricted budgets. The small medical offices that could even benefit from this robotic technology will have to wait much longer before they could afford to implement this system within their practice. Critics of surgical robotics say that it's not good for the community because it will causes a loss of jobs. They also disagree with having machinery work on humans because of the lack of emotion and care.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The initial impact of adding surgical robotics is a substantial investment. The cost of purchasing the robotics and related computer equipment is $1,000,000; there is also the cost of modifications to the current operating room which is estimated at $350,000. The cost of training the staff with how to use the robotics is estimated to cost $15,000. So, their availability is still not too widespread.

The good news is that there are both short and long term returns on the investment. The short-term returns include reducing the staff needed in the operating room as well as various instruments that would no longer be needed as the robot already will embody many of them. Since the robots do not need as much additional support, the hospital can reduce their payroll for additional savings. The robot is capable of working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which makes its use much more efficient than a human's. More operations can be accomplished in a shorter time which can result in increased revenues for certain medical practices.

The long-term returns are a little more difficult to track. Over time the increased accuracy of the robotics will result in lower problems related to operations. In the long run this will save the business money by reducing mal-practice claims. By guaranteeing this new level of accuracy the business will be able to charge a premium rate for the services provided. Patients are likely going to be willing to pay extra money for the added benefit of ensured safety.

FUTURE OF ROBOTIC SURGERY

Currently robotic surgery is in its infancy. Many of the obstacles and disadvantages are expected to be resolved in the near future. One expansion expected in the future is the integration of preoperative imaging such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance to help guide the surgeon. Improvements are also expected with the instrumentation and is expected to incorporate the full range of sensory input. The future of robotics in the operating room is extremely positive and we should expect to see more and more of them arriving in local hospitals. Where we are fairly certain that many surgeons embrace this use of technology within their field, we are still unsure of the opinion of patients. It will take proof that these robots are capable and reliable before many people will trust being operated on by one.

IN CONCLUSION

Surgical robotics will continue to improve as technology in the medical field evolves. As this new technology gains the confidence of the general public it will continue to take the load off of surgical doctors; with the possibility of some day completely taking over all routine medical operations. With its near nonexistent failure rate and perfect accident record it is easy to see how surgical robotics can improve the medical field. And, with the long-term savings over the conventional surgeon it can be seen how robots will likely soon be running our operating rooms. The next time you visit your local hospital take a look around the operating area and you might just catch a surgical robot at work.