“Paging Dr. Robot”: How Robotic
Technology Improves Surgery

Scalpels, dressings, and sutures may seem natural in the operating room. But with advances in technology, robotic tools are also becoming more common in surgery. The da Vinci operative robot system is now at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) and “on call” for our surgeons.

Not Really “Sci-Fi”

The word “robot” may sound straight from science fiction. But real-life robots are a lot more like appliances than fill-ins for doctors. These robots don’t act “on their own” and are always under human control. Robots are especially helpful in minimally invasive surgery. Such operations require a high level of precision because the surgeon is working through smaller incisions.

Robotic surgery systems have special instruments, such as scissors and needle holders, which are attached to robotic arms. These arms even have “wrists” that copy the movement of the surgeon’s hand. The surgeon can operate these arms from a remote area that includes a computer and a magnified, three-dimensional video monitor.

The computer can even steady the surgeon’s hand. Combined, these features make it easier for doctors to do very delicate procedures with greater precision and dexterity.

A Wide Range of Applications

Today, doctors can use robots to operate on the heart, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, and other areas of the body. One type of robotic procedure that has grown significantly in recent years is surgery for prostate cancer.

Although the field is still new, several studies have shown that robotic surgery can be safe and effective for many types of operations. In prostate surgery, studies have shown that using robots results in less pain and blood loss.

Before performing robotic surgery, surgeons must be specially trained. Patients must also be properly selected. Not everyone may be a candidate for this type of surgery.

March/April 2006 A Healthy Tomorrow

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