Surgery by robot
If you haven’t an operation lately, you may not have seen the da Vinci robot…but if you need surgery soon, the robot may well be in your future.
Over the last few years the da Vinci surgical system has become increasingly popular, largely because it allows surgeons to cut into the patient as little as possible. The so-called Da Vinci robot allows surgeons to operate on patients without ever touching them, making tiny, precise movements with their hands and wrists using special equipment.
The da Vinci system turns tiny movements of the surgeon’s hand into precise surgical movements, allowing the surgeon to make microscopic movements that they could never accomplish doing surgery the old-fashioned way.
Right now the system is typically used for prostate removals, gynecological surgery and cardiac valve repairs, typically allowing doctors to dot he job with as little cutting into the body as possible. Even formerly major procedures like a hysterectomy can be accomplished by creating a few small slits in the appropriate areas.
Though the idea sound a bit frightening, the robot arms with knives in their “hands” do a very precise job, and the machine’s safety record is extremely good. What’s even more important is that the robot’s approach helps patients recover more quickly. Since it makes shallower cuts than a traditional surgeon, it’s easier for patients to recover quickly.
All told, if you’re scheduled to have surgery with the da Vinci System, don’t be frightened by the idea of the surgeon going hands off. Most likely, you’ll love the results.