What Is Robotic “Assisted” Surgery?

What Is Robotic “Assisted” Surgery?

Wed Jul 27 2022

Robotic surgery, also known as robotic “assisted” surgery, is a type of surgery that uses automated technology to help the surgeon. This technology gives the surgeon greater precision and control than is possible with traditional techniques. Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits.

In this blog, we will discuss what robotic surgery is, the benefits of using it during surgery, its impact on orthopedic surgery, and some of the risks associated with this type of surgery.

What is Robotic Assisted Surgery?

Just as the name implies, robotic technology assists the surgeon by improving precision. A common misconception is that the robot performs the surgery, operating autonomously and independently of the surgeon. This is not the case. The robot is merely an instrument the surgeon uses to perform the surgery more precisely and often with less tissue trauma.

Robotic surgery was first used in 1985 for a heart bypass operation. Since then, the technology has been refined and is now used for a variety of different surgeries. Some of the more common general surgical procedures include:

  • Hysterectomies
  • Prostatectomies
  • Cardiac valve repair
  • Gastric bypass surgery
  • Hernia repairs

Benefits of Robotic Assisted Surgery

When you think of surgery, you might imagine a room full of people in masks and gloves, hunched over a patient on a table. While this is still the standard image of surgery, it’s not always the reality.

Thanks to advancements in robotic-assisted surgery, patients are now benefiting from minimally invasive procedures that are less risky and cause less pain. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery.

  • It is much less invasive than traditional surgery, often meaning less pain and blood loss for the patient and a shorter hospital stay.
  • Robotic surgery allows the surgeon greater control over the surgical instruments, resulting in more precise movements and fewer complications.
  • Robotic-assisted surgery can be used for various procedures, including heart surgery, cancer surgery, and even cosmetic surgery. At Arizona Specialty Hospital, we use our robotic technology for improved orthopedic surgical care.

Robotic Orthopedic Surgery

We have implemented robotic technology at Oasis Hospital into our orthopedic surgical procedures. One example is MAKOplasty, a robotic-assisted procedure for partial knee resurfacing, knee replacement, or hip replacement. MAKOplasty uses an RIO (robotic arm interactive orthopedic) system to precisely remove damaged bone and cartilage and replace it with metal and plastic implants.

Thanks to technological advancements, patients now benefit from robotic-assisted orthopedic procedures that are less risky and cause less pain. Our knee replacement patients typically experience a great range of motion, can raise their knee faster, and are discharged from the hospital sooner when compared to patients undergoing traditional knee replacement surgery.

The Mako robot is a surgeon-controlled system that uses a CT scan of the patient’s knee to create a 3D model. The digital model helps the surgeon plan and execute a precise surgical procedure, which leads to more predictable results.

Robotic-assisted surgery is not suitable for every patient. If you would like to learn more about this technology and whether it is an option for your upcoming surgery, please contact one of our orthopedic surgeons to learn more.