Are trained surgeons replaceable by robots?

Robotics and artificial intelligence are powerful buzzwords that dominate the realm of innovation. These concepts are of extensive discussion in the context of healthcare as well. There are also some serious questions around this buzz if robots can replace trained surgeons. Though the answer to this question was a serious no, decades back. But now, robotic surgery has made revolutionary progress in the field of medicine. It also offers several advantages both for the surgeons and the patients alike.

Advantages of robotic surgery

Robotic surgery is an invasive surgery that has streamlined the surgical procedure. It allows surgeons to perform several surgeries with complete precision and control. The efficiency of robotic technology is much better than traditional surgeries, as it incurs tiny incisions. The advantages of robotic surgery are as follows:

• Robotic surgery offers more accuracy and precision than conventional surgery methods. Thus, it lowers the risk with enhanced results.
• It is a minimally invasive procedure and requires small incisions only. Therefore, post-surgery, it offers less pain, less scarring, and quick recovery time.
• The use of robotic systems in surgical procedures reduces the risk of blood loss.
• Surgeons can view the affected area with a high-definition camera, thus helping in efficient outcomes.
• With the help of robotic arms, surgeons will be able to reach the hard-to-access areas easily and perform the surgery.
• Though robots are involved in performing the surgeries, they will be controlled by highly qualified and skilled surgeons from a console. Thus, there is no chance that they could go wrong.

Advantages of traditional surgery

Traditional open-surgical methods have been in use for many centuries to treat different health conditions. Though it involves large incisions and blood loss, it has its advantages as well.

• The surgeon can have a clear view of the surgical area without any restriction.
• They can feel the tissues and the structures and take insights from them.
• It is possible to perform a range of surgical procedures, using the conventional technique.
• Traditional surgeries can be done faster than robotic surgeries, which comes in handy at times of emergencies.
• To treat tumors and lesions, we have to use traditional surgeries and not minimally invasive techniques.
• In reconstructive surgeries and organ transplantation operations, traditional surgical techniques offer extensive efficiency.
• They are affordable and bring with them the experience of the surgeon in performing the procedure.

Robotic Surgery vs Traditional Surgery – A comparison

After discussing the advantages of both surgical approaches, it is time to discuss robotic surgery vs traditional surgery and discuss the two approaches in detail. Traditional surgeries are suitable in certain conditions, whereas robotic surgery is beneficial for surgeries of the heart, prostate, female reproductive organs, etc. The expertise of the surgeon plays a pivotal role in choosing between the two methods. They should be aware of the risks and benefits of each surgery type before making a decision. In some instances, doctors would recommend the combination of both robotic surgery and traditional techniques to achieve the best health outcomes in patients. The choice between the two surgical methods should be made based on the underlying medical condition. Doctors should assess the severity of the problem and the surgical outcomes. Also, the choice between the two approaches depends on the level of comfort of the client concerning the use of technology.

FAQ:

Will surgeons become too reliant on technology for performing surgeries?

No, doctors need to have a strong grip on the basic anatomy to perform surgery. They operate the robots and thus have to equip their knowledge better to use them in treatment. Technology can never take over the medical knowledge of surgeons.

Bottom Line:

The debate on robotic surgery vs traditional surgery has surfaced in major medical specialties, and both have their advantages. In traditional methods, all our surgeons have abundant experience, and there is also enough literature available. On the other hand, robotic surgery is an advancement in the medical field and aims to enhance the quality of treatment for patients. Ultimately, the decision lies on the preference of the surgeon and the health condition of the patient in choosing a vital approach.