Today’s society is more technically advanced than ever before. We’re able to use technology to make our lives safer and easier in countless ways. Within the healthcare industry, this advanced technology helps us all be healthier. One major technological advancement that benefits the health industry is robotic surgery. This is a new surgical system which uses a camera mounted to a mechanical arm. Doctors can attach surgical instruments to the robotic arm, and perform a wide variety of complex surgeries with enhanced steadiness, precision, and flexibility.
Robotic surgery was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2001. Over the years, this strategy has been adopted by many hospitals in the United States and throughout Europe. Movements of the robotic arm are extremely precise, and the technology is fascinating. The surgical robot creates a magnified high definition 3D view of the site, providing the human surgeon and his staff with an enhanced view as the procedure is performed.
There are many advantages when it comes to using this type of surgical technique. Surgeons appreciate how a delicate operation, such as hand surgery, can be performed more quickly and easily. The chances of an error or mistake are decreased dramatically. Robotic surgery is also considered to be minimally invasive, which means the incisions are as small as possible. This allows for faster recovery of the patient.
Despite its many benefits, it’s important to note that robotic surgery is not entirely risk-free. Complications can still arise from a bad reaction to the anesthesia. Despite being minimally invasive, anytime the skin is cut there is a risk of infection– especially if the equipment is not properly sanitized. When the tools are not disinfected, the surgery may result in excessive bleeding, infection, and possibly even death. It’s important to know how to use CIDEX OPA to disinfect medical equipment. This medical solution specifically targets a wide range of micro bacteria, and can completely sanitize equipment in five minutes when used in conjunction with an automatic endoscope reprocessor at 25º C.
In addition to the normal, inherent risks of surgery, robotic arms have been known to malfunction– though such instances are extremely rare. According to the Department of Human and Health Services, the mechanical malfunction rate of robotic arms is 0.1%–0.5%. This data suggests that the benefits greatly outweigh the small chance of a problem occurring.
As technology advances and improves within society, we are able to do more, and enjoy more, as we go about our daily lives. Within the healthcare industry, we use technology to simplify the most complicated surgeries and procedures. As robotic technology improves, our overall health improves along with it. Doctors can now offer better treatments, perform faster, more accurate surgeries, and continue to minimize the risks associated with complicated medical procedures. The future of medicine will increasingly rely on robotics as we learn to rely on and appreciate the accuracy, precision, and mechanical versatility the technology provides.
Robotic surgery may not be 100% risk-free, but it has proven to be an extremely effective method for performing a variety of complex surgeries. It’s also important to note that choosing any type of surgery can be a potential risk. But with an extremely low rate of malfunction, robotic surgery has proven to be enormously beneficial for both doctors and patients. If you have a medical problem and are in need of surgery, be sure to research and ask questions about the best options available for you.