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Article Summary: Surgery in the da Vinci mode

This article reports on the benefits of an innovative computerized robotic surgical tool known as the da Vinci Surgical System. It was designed to enhance a surgeon’s ability to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures and microsurgery that, under typical OR conditions, can often be awkward and tiring for the surgeon. Because the surgeon can sit instead of stand during surgery, the new technology allows surgeons to reduce or avoid time spent in physically exhausting body postures under difficult visualization circumstances that can increase the risk of human error in the performance of laparoscopic operative procedures. Using the robotic assistant makes it possible for major laparoscopic surgery - such as hysterectomy - to be completed more quickly, minimizes anesthesia time, reduces patient bleeding and thus lessens risk of blood transfusion, and allows patients to spend less time in hospital, thus reducing exposure to infection. There is reportedly less pain and less scarring than with conventional surgical methods. The robot performs no operations on its own, but is under the control of the surgeon, who is able to visualize and accomplish more precise movements with greater range of motion than he could with his own hands or with standard laparoscopic instruments. Further, the robot isn’t apt to tire or tremble at the wrong moment, thus minimizing potential iatrogenic injury. The surgeries are still done the same way, only just using a new and different tool. Apparently, patient recovery time is also enhanced with the use of robotic technology. Availability of the da Vinci System has obvious implications for more delicate patients, such as neonatal, pediatric, elderly, and those who require meticulous surgical technique to avoid any use of blood products in connection with surgical procedures.

LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
APP.COM - Surgery in the da Vinci mode | Asbury Park Press Online

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Jan Grossberg, RN, BSN
Editorial Team