Robotic Surgery In Gastrointerology

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgeries are computer-assisted techniques with robotic systems aiding surgical procedures. It is a mechanical helping hand to surgeons. Surgical robots are self-powered, computer-controlled devices that can be programmed to aid in the positioning and manipulation of surgical instruments. Surgeons view the patient via a terminal and manipulate the robotic surgical instruments via a control panel located in the adjoining console.

Organs are viewed through tiny cameras inserted into the body. The surgical robot functions by remote, minimally invasive and unmanned surgery.

There are 3 types of robotic systems:

• da Vinci
• Zeus
• Aesop

What is the role of surgeons?

• The surgeons control the robot generally from a console.
• The robot is always under the control of a surgeon and follows specific set of instructions.
• Tasks of the surgeon:
  1. Planning: Map the patient’s body to the computer to determine the surgical pathway
  2. Registration: Surgeon to register points in the patient’s body where surgery is to be done
  3. Navigation: Surgeon activates the robot