Everything about Robotic Surgery If you have ever worked in the operating room, or if you are assigned as a surgical nurse, you have seen various types of surgeries. If you have not been involved in a robotic surgical procedure, you may at some point. Robotic surgery has faced some controversy, but it is gaining popularity. What is Robotic Surgery? Robotic surgery is a method to perform surgery using very small tools attached to a robotic arm. The surgeon controls the robotic arm with a computer. Related: Patient Comforts: Home-Like Surroundings The patient is given general anesthesia so that they are asleep and painfree. The surgeon sits at a computer station and directs the movements of a robot, while small surgical tools are attached to the robot's arms. The surgeon makes small cuts to insert the instruments into the body. A thin tube with a camera attached to the end of it (endoscope) allows the surgeon to view enlarged 3-D images of the body as the surgery is taking place. The robot matches the doctor's hand movements to perform the procedure using the tiny instruments. When is Robotic Surgery Performed? Robotic surgery is similar to laparoscopic surgery, and can be performed through smaller cuts than open surgery. The small, exact movements that are possible with this type of surgery give it some advantages over standard endoscopic techniques. The surgeon can make small, precise movements using this method, which can allow the surgeon to do a procedure through a small cut that once could be done only with open surgery. When the robotic arm is placed in the abdomen, it is easier for the surgeon to use the surgical tools than with laparoscopic surgery through an endoscope. The surgeon can also see the area where the surgery is performed more easily. This method lets the surgeon move in a more coordinated way, as well. Robotic surgery can take longer to perform. This is due to the amount of time needed to set up the robot. Currently, many hospitals may not have access to this method. Robotic surgery may be used for a number of different procedures, including:  Coronary artery bypass  Cutting away cancer tissue from sensitive parts of the body
Gallbladder removal Hip replacement Hysterectomy Kidney removal Kidney transplant Robotic surgery cannot be used for some complex procedures. Risks of Robotic Surgery The risks for any anesthesia and surgery include: Reactions to medicines Breathing problems Bleeding Infection Robotic surgery has risks as open and laparoscopic surgery. However, the risks are different. Preparation for the Procedure The patient is restricted from food or fluid for 8 hours before the surgery. They may need to cleanse your bowels with an enema or laxative the day before surgery for some types of procedures. They must stop taking aspirin, blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or Plavix, anti-inflammatory medicines, vitamins, or other supplements 10 days before the procedure. Following the Procedure Depending on the type of surgery performed, the patient may have to stay in the hospital overnight or for a couple of days. They should be encouraged to walk within a day after the procedure. How soon they are active will depend on the surgery that was done. They should not do any heavy lifting or straining until the doctor gives the OK. Outlook Following Robotic Surgery Related: Premature Births Surgical cuts are smaller than with traditional open surgery. Benefits include: Faster recovery Less pain and bleeding Less risk of infection Shorter hospital stay Smaller scars
Alternate Names of Robotic Surgery   
Robot-assisted surgery Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery Laparoscopic surgery with robotic assistance
Assisting nurses may watch the robotic arm and report any abnormalities, so it's vital that any nurse assisting should receive specialized training. The attending nurse may observe the patient for excess bleeding, and coordinate between the anesthesiologist and the surgeon. The nurse may also coordinate surgical times, and ensure all necessary equipment in place. Working in the operating room with robotic procedures can be very exciting, as it is relatively new technology. If the opportunity is offered to observe a Robotic Surgery, it is well worth the time to do so. Not only can this be added to a resume, it may provide insight into Robotic Surgery, and help to determine if this is a field of interest to you personally. Many hospitals will reimburse tuition for education, and continuing education in Robotic Surgery can ensure a career that is certain to be in demand. Not every medical facility offers Robotic Surgery, so you could have to pursue a different position if that is where your interest lies. To find out more information, research robotic surgical procedures within your local area. Related: Highly Regarded Registered Nurse Jessica Pougnault, RN, will be Spotlighted in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter