Surgery performed for weight-loss is one of the most transformative procedures that any person can go through.
It causes changes in appearance, eating habits, and could affect your physical and psychological well-being.
The procedure is also known as bariatric surgery. Over the years, it has evolved in quite a dramatic manner.
Two decades ago, this surgery was open and technically difficult to perform. It made use of big incisions that put patients at risk for wound-related complications, infections, and hernias.
When weight-loss surgeries began to become popular in the early 2000s such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, lap band, and sleeve gastrectomy.
They were performed laparoscopically (this is a surgical procedure which is performed using a fiber-optic instrument inserted through the abdominal wall to either permit a small-scale surgery or view the organs).
This procedure was less painful, had smaller incisions, was less invasive, and had quicker recovery times. This quickly became the gold standard.
The next level for bariatric procedures is here.
Recently, there was a robotic sleeve gastrectomy that was performed at the University of Texas Southwestern. It was the first of its kind and the gastric sleeve is a very popular choice between people seeking to perform robotic gastric bypass surgery and lose weight by limiting how much food they eat.
The gastric sleeve is a method of removing the stretchiest part of the stomach and reducing its size from that of a football to that of a small-sized banana.
Since the robotic procedure was performed, the patient lost over 60% of excess body weight and that weight loss has been maintained.
Pros and Cons of Robotic Bariatric Surgery
Pros
Smaller incisions:
This surgery procedure only makes an incision that is 8 mm long which is less than 1/3 of an inch. This leaves fewer visible scars and reduces infection risk.
Better vision:
The robot has a perfect binocular vision which increases its depth perception and provides a sharp 3D view for the surgeon.
Better ergonomics:
With this robot, the surgeon can sit at a console with easy reach consoles. This reduces physician arm or leg fatigue and allows for precise positioning during the duration of a procedure. This usually is for one to three hours.
Robotic surgery hands:
Robotics offer a wider motion range and better ergonomics for the surgeon. It also allows for more accurate precision.
Better motion range:
Robots possess "wrists" and they offer a wider range of motion than laparoscopic equipment that have a lobster-like claw grip.
Revisional surgery:
The use of robotics can provide added and accurate precision when dealing with scar tissue from a previous operation or adhesions.
Quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays:
The less invasive approach of this surgery means that there is less pain, less time spent in the hospitals, and a quicker return to work after the surgery procedure.
Cons
Lack of sense of touch or true haptics in the Robots:
Due to the physician's control using the console and a screen, they do not get the true feel of interaction with the tissue. The technology is evolving so this issue might be added to the new generation of robots.
Learning curve:
Most doctors graduating from medical school and residency have acquired robotic skills while others must acquire them. There is a need for lab simulations, practice hours spent on inanimate objects, and computer simulations. As a surgeon, you'd need to log your time spent and raise your skill level.
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