What Are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery allows surgeons to use computer-programmed robotic arms and other mechanized tools to perform a variety of surgical procedures. These tools aid surgeons---they do not replace them.

Minimally Invasive

Doctors only need to make tiny incisions to use robotic surgical tools during a procedure. This reduces bleeding, pain, recovery time, infection, hospital stays and risk of scarring, according to St. Barnabas Health Care System

Precision

These tools allow surgeons to perform more complex tasks than they would normally be able to perform on their own, which increases precision.

Reduced Burden

Robotic surgery reduces the physical burden of the operating surgeon compared with other types of procedures that might require more awkward positioning, according to Dr. Bishoy Morris of Medscape.com.

Efficacy

According to Morris, studies indicate robotic surgery seems to offer advantages over laparoscopic procedures---particularly reduced death, complications and hospital stay. The medical community needs more research to determine their effectiveness compared with traditional surgery.

Limitations

Although this type of surgery has many benefits, some drawbacks exist. They include cost and the inability of the surgeon to actually touch the area being operated on--which can be important in some cases.

References

• St. Barnabas Healthcare System: Robotic Surgery
• Medscape: What is Robotic Surgery