Robotic Surgery Explained
What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is not automated or AI, nor does the robot act on its own in any way. A more accurate name might be computer aided surgery. Every movement of the robot is controlled by Dr. Glenn. The dissection, cutting, suturing, irrigating and suction is all done by the surgeon who is controlling every movement of the robot. In that sense, you can think of the robot as a highly advanced tool that Dr. Glenn uses to complete the surgery.
Some of the specific ways the robot helps the surgeon:
translating or scaling the surgeons’ larger movements to more minute movement ( at a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio),
stereoscopic (3 dimensional) vision.
assisting instrument exchanges, and more.
Robotic surgery still requires the use of a traditional operating room and the help of a surgical team, including an anesthesiologist.
Why use the robot for routine surgery? Is it really better?
It benefits the patient and the surgeon. There is more than one way to do most types of surgery. From open surgery, to laparoscopy, to minimally invasive and robotic techniques, each step in technology has added precision and improved patient outcomes but requires weeks to years of training and practice to become proficient and then to master.
This sacrifice of time, and a need to start at the basics of the new skills, all while leaving behind techniques that have been hard learned, is what often prevents surgeons from embracing the next step in technology.
Robotics represent a leap forward in surgical care. The surgeons who have mastered these techniques, such as Dr. Glenn, describe predictability and avoiding complications as reasons for embracing this technology.
Recent studies demonstrate reduced complications and better overall outcomes with Robotic Surgery:
It’s about Outcomes and Experience
In most cases, robotic surgery is only available in a hospital setting. Dr. Glenn is able to offer robotic surgery, using the Davinci Xi platform, in a freestanding in-network ambulatory surgery center (ASC).
This is unique in the Phoenix area. This means that the patient can enjoy the cost savings of having surgery in an ASC, while receiving the benefit of robotic surgery. Of course, if there is a need for a higher level of care, Dr. Glenn offers surgery at multiple west valley hospitals.