The Da Vinci Robot: the future is the present
“Robotic surgery facilitates lung and lymphatic resection in the context of lung tumors, detecting more cases of lymph node involvement, something that may be relevant to the patient,” explains Dr. Muguruza out. This technological advancement makes this possible minimally invasive procedures, resulting in smaller incisions, less blood loss and faster recovery times for patients.
Key benefits for patients
The head of thoracic surgery at Villalbino Hospital emphasizes that “the patient's blood loss is less with robotic surgery. It is a minimally invasive operation such as thoracoscopy that patients suffer from less postoperative pain “which translates to a faster recovery because they can resume activity early during their admission and respiratory rehabilitation exercises.”
Furthermore, robotic surgery significantly reduces complications and postoperative stay, especially in resuscitation or intensive care units, compared to more classical approaches, which improve the patient experience in the hospital.
Key benefits for surgeons
The doctor David Rincon, specialist from the same department points out that “the robotic system gives the surgeon precision in his gestures, reducing tissue damage.” This precision and safety allows surgeons to perform fine and controlled movements, improving the effectiveness of surgical gestures and rreducing errors during use. Additionally, robotic technology improves the surgeon's experience during surgery by providing improved vision and ergonomics.
The key pillars of robotic surgery, as summarized by Dr. Muguruza, are thanks to the improvement in eyesight “the integration of 3D cameras that provide an immersive experience”; the accuracy of the movements, allowing more precise and finer gestures; the improvement of ergonomics, as the surgeon operates in a sitting position, which reduces physical fatigue, and this is combined with the robotic console, which can be adapted to any surgeon; and finally the “continuous improvement of surgeons' skills”thanks to the training programs in the simulator.
Learning process for surgeons
According to Dr. Rincón, the learning process for surgeons using robotic technology is rigorous but rewarding. “Initially there must be accreditation that consists of a theoretical phase of operating the equipment,” he explains. Surgeons are then given practical exercises under supervision training centers and ongoing assistance by expert teachers during the first clinical procedures.
Access to virtual training programs linked to robotic technology also contributes. “The learning curve is supplemented with virtual simulation programs linked to robotic technology, allowing the surgeon to exponentially improve his skills with the robot,” says the specialist. “Also the scientific associations They offer courses and conferences where there is continuous feedback between surgeons, driving progress in the use of this technology,” he points out.
Main challenges for medical specialists
The main challenge for surgeons performing procedures using robotic technology is the learning curve. According to Dr. Rincón, surgeons have to get used to a new technology with its technical characteristics.” Another factor to consider is that the cost of robotic programs may limit their availability in some centers. “improvement of clinical outcomes, The decrease in hospital stays and associated resource expenditures, as well as the introduction of new players in robotic technology, are factors that could significantly mitigate these cost differences.
Regarding future prospects, Dr. Rincón's interest in continuing “reducing surgical aggression by reducing the number of access ports and using smaller caliber instruments to allow better patient recovery.” In addition, research areas are explored such as the integration of sensory elements for the surgeon and the surgeon introduction of artificial intelligence in the system software, which promises to further improve healthcare and patient outcomes.