Robotic surgery has fascinated surgeons since its inception almost 30 years ago. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the Da Vinci surgical system in 2000 led to the expansion of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery—most rapidly in urology but also in gynaecology, cardiothoracics, head and neck, and general surgery. But has this innovation in surgery translated to benefits for patients? The Da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc) is the only robot approved by the FDA for soft tissue surgery.
The device provides a magnified 3D view of the operative field from a console, from which the surgeon controls the robot which holds a camera and tremor-free instruments with a greater range of movement than laparoscopic instruments. “The benefits to the surgeon are fantastic. There is improved vision and precision. It brings a lot of the benefits of laparoscopic surgery but…
