Dr. Jacob E. Dowden, University Surgical AssociatesQ: I have heard a lot of talk about “robotic surgery” recently. What exactly is it?
A: Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery technique akin to laparoscopic surgery, but robotic surgery has several important advantages and differences. As in laparoscopic surgery, small skin incisions are used for entry of instruments from outside the body. The robotic system is then attached to the instruments, and the surgeon controls them from a console in the operating room a few feet away from the patient. The surgeon fully controls the instruments just as in open or laparoscopic surgery.
The robotic system does not act on its own. As opposed to laparoscopic surgery, robotic instruments have mechanical wrists that have a range of motion that exceeds even that of the human wrist. This allows the surgeon to perform your surgery with the same precise movements they would use in open surgery. Robotic surgery also utilizes a high-definition, magnified 3-D camera system that creates enhanced visualization. Minimally invasive robotic surgery typically is less painful than open surgery, which can lead to an earlier return to normal activities and work. In order to perform robotic surgery, a surgeon must complete a specialized training course.
– Dr. Jacob E. Dowden, University Surgical Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society