Overall, robotic surgery is a more efficient and accurate way to perform surgical operations. Natural human hand tremors are diminished, and 3D cameras give surgeons a clearer look at what they are operating on. Recovery for patients is much shorter and less painful. Results for robot-assisted procedures are comparable or even better than traditional procedures. Hospitals can actually save money with the installment of surgical robots, because the length of post-op hospitalization is virtually cut in half. The only true disadvantage to these systems are that operations can take more time than traditional surgical approaches, which can lead to anesthesia-related complications. However, this small disadvantage is barely comparable to the immense advantages from the use of robotic surgery.
Additionally, I learned that robotic surgery systems are used universally in almost every field of surgery imaginable. This includes neurosurgery, gynecologic, general, orthopedic, radiosurgery, prostatectomy, cardiac, and craniofacial surgery, to name a few. However, because of this great variation in applications of robotic surgery, I realized that I’m going to have to refine my interests in order to study more in depth. Surgeons have specialties, and I’m going to have to specify a field that I’m interested in, and pursue a mentor in this field in order to truly learn more.
I absolutely cannot wait to start my search for a mentor in order to gain hands-on experience in this field to further expand my knowledge on robotic surgery in the months to come.
