Robotics in Plastic Surgery - Benefits, Pros, Cons, and Risks

Introduction

Robotics in plastic surgery are more precise and flexible, and the surgeon can perform all complex procedures. There is also better control of operation than the conventional techniques. It is a minimally invasive surgery as procedures are performed through tiny incisions. Robotics most commonly used in plastic surgery consists of a camera arm and mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached. The arms are controlled by the surgeon when seated at a computer console near the operating table. The 3D view of the surgical site, magnification, and high definition are given by the console to the surgeon.

What Is a Minimally Invasive Procedure in Robotics?

Robotics in plastic surgery is performed using a minimally invasive technique: a tiny incision around one to two centimeters is accessed by the robotic arm to insert very small tools that the surgeon guides. In traditional technique, a large incision is made to expose the surgical site.

Non- robotic minimal invasive procedures such as endoscopy or laparoscopic surgery are done with the help of an endoscope, where there is a narrow tube with a camera inserted through small incisions or the nose or mouth. The surgeon controls the small instruments via the channel in non-robotic endoscopy surgery. In robotics, the robotic arms control the small instruments by viewing the surgical site on a computer monitor. In robotics, the tools are manipulated to a certain degree, which will have a higher range of motion and increased dexterity of movement.

How Are Robotics Used in Plastic Surgery?

Robotics in plastic surgery uses surgical robots in the targeted area of the body to create tiny incisions and miniaturized instruments and cameras that are three-dimensional and high definition. There is no need to create large incisions for viewing as the surgeon can easily view what is happening inside the patient's body using robotics. The surgeon will be able to produce results that are fine in appearance as they will be able to control the instruments as both camera and instruments are placed inside an incision. Using this robotics in plastic surgery, the procedure is less invasive than traditional surgery; therefore, there will be fewer scars. As the incisions or changes to the body are made by robotics, there is greater accuracy compared to hand. This will help the surgeon provide precision and accuracy with robotics, which is impossible to achieve with hands. The improved resolution provided by the 3D lens and steadier results that can be achieved will provide accuracy and improvement in precision.

What Are the Benefits of Robotics in Plastic Surgery?

Robotics in plastic surgery give precise and flexible results; there is control during the operation, and visibility is much better than traditional techniques. Robotics helps perform delicate and complex procedures, which might be difficult and impossible with other methods. It makes the surgery minimally invasive, with fewer complications, especially surgical site infection, less pain and blood loss, quick recovery, shorter hospital stay, and fewer scars after the procedure.

What Are the Pros of Using Robotics in Plastic Surgery?

Less skin and fewer body areas are being exposed and treated in robotics, so there is less exposure to outside elements. This will help in achieving a lower risk of infection. The surgery is cleaner when performed under robotics, so there is less chance of an infection even after the procedure. As the surgeon performs more steadily and finely, there are greater aesthetic outcomes with robotics. Any concerns or limitations that might have been an issue in the past are overcome by plastic surgery using robotics. They are steadier and more precise when compared to human hands, and therefore, there is little or no scarring after the procedure.

What Are the Cons of Robotics in Plastic Surgery?

There are also some drawbacks of robotics in plastic surgery. Working with robotics might take a little longer as the doctor needs to check whether the instrument is working properly and calibrated to provide the desired results. This procedure can increase the overall time as some parts, like microneedles, need to be replaced before the surgery starts to perform the surgery of choice. Ensuring the surgeon is well-trained and experienced to use the robotic equipment is also essential. Robotics in plastic surgery is the updated version of medical technology. Therefore, the plastic surgeon needs to spend time to train correctly and learn about the new steps involved in operating the equipment and using it to perform plastic surgery.

What Are the Risks in Robotic Surgery?

The risks in robotic surgery are:

• There is a potential for human error while operating the technology.

• There is a chance of mechanical failure, but it is rare. Mechanical components such as robotic arms, cameras, and instruments could fail.

• Electric arcing happens when the electric current from the robotic arm to the surrounding tissue is misdirected.

• Other risk factors for any surgery that includes robotics are the risk of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, breathing problems, and allergic reactions to medications.

What Is the Difference Between Robotic and Laparoscopic Prostatectomy?

In laparoscopy, the surgeon uses long instruments through small incisions and maneuvers them with direct hand contact. Robotic instruments are more delicate and have two additional degrees of movement excursion. With the computer device, the surgeon can comfortably maneuver the instruments by sitting at the robot console. There is a steep learning curve with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Conclusion

Robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery are similar. Both use small incisions, surgical instruments, and a camera, and the only difference is robotics will sit at a computer console and use controls to manipulate the robot. The view produced is 3D images with increased accuracy and high definition.