If you have
ever worked in the operating room, or if you are assigned as a surgical nurse,
you have seen various types of surgeries.
If you have not been involved in a robotic surgical procedure, you may
at some point. Robotic surgery has faced
some controversy, but it is gaining popularity.
What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic
surgery is a method to perform surgery using very small tools attached to a
robotic arm. The surgeon controls the robotic arm with a computer.
The patient is
given general anesthesia so that they are asleep and pain-free. The surgeon sits at a computer station and
directs the movements of a robot, while small surgical tools are attached to
the robot's arms.
The surgeon
makes small cuts to insert the instruments into the body.
A thin tube
with a camera attached to the end of it (endoscope) allows the surgeon to view
enlarged 3-D images of the body as the surgery is taking place. The robot matches the doctor's hand movements
to perform the procedure using the tiny instruments.
When is Robotic Surgery Performed?
Robotic
surgery is similar to laparoscopic surgery, and can be performed through
smaller cuts than open surgery. The small, exact movements that are possible
with this type of surgery give it some advantages over standard endoscopic
techniques. The surgeon can make small,
precise movements using this method, which can allow the surgeon to do a
procedure through a small cut that once could be done only with open
surgery. When the robotic arm is placed
in the abdomen, it is easier for the surgeon to use the surgical tools than
with laparoscopic surgery through an endoscope.
The surgeon can also see the area where the surgery is performed more
easily. This method lets the surgeon move in a more coordinated way, as well. Robotic surgery can take longer to perform.
This is due to the amount of time needed to set up the robot. Currently, many
hospitals may not have access to this method.
Robotic surgery may be used for a number of different procedures,
including:
- Coronary artery bypass
- Cutting away cancer tissue from sensitive parts of the body
- Gallbladder removal
- Hip replacement
- Hysterectomy
- Kidney removal
- Kidney transplant
Robotic
surgery cannot be used for some complex procedures.
Risks of Robotic Surgery
The risks for
any anesthesia and surgery include:
- Reactions to medicines
- Breathing problems
- Bleeding
- Infection
Robotic
surgery has risks as open and laparoscopic surgery. However, the risks are
different.
Preparation for the Procedure
The patient is
restricted from food or fluid for 8 hours before the surgery.
They may need
to cleanse your bowels with an enema or laxative the day before surgery for
some types of procedures.
They must stop
taking aspirin, blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or Plavix,
anti-inflammatory medicines, vitamins, or other supplements 10 days before the
procedure.
Following the Procedure
Depending on
the type of surgery performed, the patient may have to stay in the hospital
overnight or for a couple of days.
They should be
encouraged to walk within a day after the procedure. How soon they are active
will depend on the surgery that was done.
They should not do any heavy lifting or straining until the doctor gives
the OK.
Outlook
Following Robotic Surgery
Related: Premature Births
Surgical cuts
are smaller than with traditional open surgery. Benefits include:
- Faster recovery
- Less pain and bleeding
- Less risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stay
- Smaller scars
Alternate Names of Robotic Surgery
- Robot-assisted surgery
- Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery with robotic assistance
Assisting
nurses may watch the robotic arm and report any abnormalities, so it's vital
that any nurse assisting should receive specialized training. The attending nurse may observe the patient
for excess bleeding, and coordinate between the anesthesiologist and the
surgeon. The nurse may also coordinate
surgical times, and ensure all necessary equipment in place. Working in the operating room with robotic
procedures can be very exciting, as it is relatively new technology. If the opportunity is offered to observe a
Robotic Surgery, it is well worth the time to do so. Not only can this be added to a resume, it
may provide insight into Robotic Surgery, and help to determine if this is a
field of interest to you personally.
Many hospitals will reimburse tuition for education, and continuing
education in Robotic Surgery can ensure a career that is certain to be in
demand. Not every medical facility offers
Robotic Surgery, so you could have to pursue a different position if that is
where your interest lies. To find out
more information, research robotic surgical procedures within your local area.
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