At first, the idea of robots assisting with or even performing surgery might sound ridiculous - and not too long ago, it was. But, like many things in the field of robotics, this has already started to change. In fact, many high level hospitals, including UCLA, the Mayo Clinic, and many more, are already regularly using robotic surgery aides!

So what exactly is robotic surgery? First, it’s important to clear up some common misconceptions. In no case do robots operate without human assistance, or “autonomously”, which is a concern that many patients hold regarding robotic surgery. The robot performing the surgery never replaces the surgeon; instead, it becomes another tool that the surgeon can use to better perform their job. It can be helpful to think of surgery robots as an extension of the surgeon; not taking their place, but giving them several important benefits that let them do their job more efficiently.
In most cases, surgery robots consist of several robotic arms that the surgeon operates from a few feet away. These arms contain high-definition cameras that allow the surgeon to see everything that they’re doing, oftentimes in greater detail than they would with their own eyes. Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can perform a variety of complex functions, such as removing damaged tissue or even kidney surgery.

There are actually many benefits to robot-assisted surgery that can make it a better, more efficient experience for both the doctor and the patient. Robotic surgery is almost always “minimally invasive”, which means that the procedure is conducted through very small incisions instead of traditional, open access points. This greatly reduces the risk of blood loss, scarring, infection, and extended recovery periods. Almost always, patients who have undergone remote surgery can return to their lives much quicker than their traditional counterparts.

From the surgeon’s perspective, robotic surgery offers many great benefits, in addition to keeping the patient safer and more comfortable. For one, surgery robots are able to operate with a greater degree of precision and perform motions that human surgeons simply cannot. Also, surgery robots never tire, and can perform routine procedures much more quickly and efficiently than surgeons would alone. In some cases, surgeons have even used remotely operated surgery robots to reach patients who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to receive care!

While the field of robotic surgery still needs many advances before the practice becomes widespread, the results are already very promising, improving the health of surgeons and patients alike.