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Important Information On Robotic Surgery Houston Residents Should Understand

By Debra Butler


Robotic surgery is type of technique in which operations are conducted through minimal invasion. A robot is used to increase the accuracy and reduce the risk of complications. It acts as an extension of the hands of the operating surgeon. It should be emphasized that the operation is conducted by the surgeon and not the robot. If they have plans of undergoing robotic surgery Houston residents need to understand some facts beforehand.

The preparation needed for one to undergo this type of operation is similar to what is required in other operations. For instance, their hemoglobin and platelet levels should be within the acceptable ranges. Drugs likely to increase the risk of bleeding should be stooped at least ten days before the procedure. Depending on the type of anesthesia that is to be used, patients may also be required to fast (for at least 8 hours) so as to reduce the risk of aspiration.

When you are taken to the operating room, you will receive some form of anesthesia (general or regional depending on the condition). The surgeon will then make some incisions in your abdominal wall to be used for the insertion of instruments. The robot is connected to an endoscope that helps to generate images from the site of operation. They will then sit comfortably in the computer station from where they will operate the robot.

The robotic equipment in modern use are capable of projecting 3-D images. This transfers all the events taking place on the surgical area to the screen making it a lot easier for the surgeon to operate. If you happen to be on spinal block you may witness the operation being carried out. Perhaps the biggest strength of these robots is the fact that they can match the hand movements of the surgeon and transfer them to the surgical tools.

There are numerous indications for robot assisted surgeries. They include cardiovascular operations such as coronary artery bypass and mitral valve repair. Others include hernia repair, reduction of tumor masses, hysterectomy, tubal ligation and prostatectomy among others. It is important to note that the method is not effective in the management of very complex operations especially those in which manual manipulation may be needed.

Compared to the open technique and other endoscopic options, there are a number of advantages that will be realized. One of them is the fact that greater precision of cutting can be achieved due to the computerized assistance that is used here. This makes it possible to operate in very small spaces without damaging the adjacent structures. The surgeon sits comfortably hence is less likely to suffer from fatigue that is common during long procedures.

There are a number of factors that may hinder the full utilization of this type of surgery. Among them is inaccessibility. Many hospitals are yet to acquire these pieces of equipment. For those that have them, the surgeons may not be adequately trained to use them. Most surgeons prefer to use techniques that they have used for a long time and making adjustments becomes quite difficult.

There is a risk of complications but this is a lot lower than that associated with the other techniques. The possible complications that may ensue include reactions to the anesthetic medications, bleeding from the surgical site and infections. In some situations, the surgery may be challenging leading to the use of alternative methods. Adequate pre-operative preparation will help reduce the risk of these complications.




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