What is Robotic Surgery - Types, Advantages & Process

• Written by Anjali Sharma

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Robotic technology has revolutionized the healthcare industry in the past decade and is constantly evolving to meet the rising demand in the medical field. Robotic surgery is beneficial for both the patient and the surgeon. For patients, it results in faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. On the other hand, it reduces the strain on a surgeon, who can perform more complex procedures in a short period. In this blog, we will discuss in detail about different types of robotic surgery systems.

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery involves the use of robotic arms to perform surgical procedures. The robotic arms are controlled by a trained surgeon with the help of an advanced computer system. Also known as Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS), it is a minimally invasive procedure that replicates the surgeon's hand movements with greater precision.

The robotic system comprises a robot, a patient-side cart, and a console. It is also equipped with an image screen that provides a real-time, three-dimensional, high-definition view of the target area. Unlike a human hand, a robotic arm can easily navigate within a small surgical field.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery offers several advantages, including enhanced precision, minimally invasive procedures, faster recovery, and reduced pain and scarring. Let us discuss these advantages in more detail:

• Robotic surgery is ideal for delicate or complicated procedures because it helps surgeons avoid damaging nearby nerves and organs.
• Surgeons gain a better view of the surgical site through 3D visualization, which allows for clearer vision and faster decision-making.
• The precise control of surgical tools helps minimize damage to tissues and other organs.
• Robotic surgery involves smaller incisions, resulting in less blood loss and reduced pain for patients.
• Patients experience faster recovery times due to smaller incisions, less blood loss, fewer chances of infection, fewer blood transfusions, minimal scarring, and reduced internal damage.
• It is beneficial for complex surgeries that are difficult to perform with traditional methods.
• It reduces the length of hospital stays for patients after surgery.

Types of Surgical Robots

There are three types of robotic surgery systems depending on the level of involvement of the surgeon in the procedure:

Supervisory Controlled System

It is the most automated type of surgical system, and the robot solely executes the surgery as per the input data provided by the surgeon before the procedure. The surgeon plans and supervises the procedure but does not execute it.

Telesurgical /Remote surgery

In this type of surgery, the surgeon controls the motion of the robot. It comprises various components, including a robotic arm, an imaging system and a console. The imaging system transmits high-definition, real-time images of the surgical area to the surgeon’s console. The console lets the surgeon control the robotic arms, which manipulate the surgical instruments in a small surgical area with much greater accuracy and precision than a human hand. The da Vinci surgical system is the most advanced and widely used telesurgical robotic surgery system. It is the best minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopy and open surgeries.

Shared Control System

This system involves the surgeon the most. The surgeon executes the procedure with the support of the robot, which helps in providing stable manipulation of the instruments.

The Da Vinci telesurgical system has been the most successful of these three surgical systems. The other two systems have the potential for future applications.

Types of Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgeries are used in different medical specialisations, such as urology, gynaecology, orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery, etc. Some of the common robotic surgeries performed using the da Vinci system are:

Robotic-assisted Laparoscopy

Earlier, surgeons used to perform laparoscopy with their hands using a 2D camera, but now, with the help of surgical robots, the same surgery is performed using a robotic arm with superior precision and better results. The surgeon controls the robotic arm and enters the body via a small incision.

Single-incision Robotic Surgery

In this type of surgery, only a single incision is made through the belly button of the patient, causing minimal scarring. Multiple robotic instruments can be used through this incision. This type of surgery is most commonly used to remove the gallbladder.

Robotic Cardiac Surgery

The success rate of robotic cardiac surgery is higher than that of open heart surgery. Robotic surgery is performed through small incisions made in the chest. Small incisions mean less blood loss, faster healing, and reduced chances of infection. Some common robotic cardiac surgeries are valve repair surgery, coronary artery bypass, cardiac tissue ablation, and heart defect repair.

Gynecologic Robotic Surgery

Gynecologic robotic surgeries use miniature wristed tools to operate in a narrow space. These tools are extensions of the surgeon’s hand and translate it into micro-movements with greater precision. These surgeries are used effectively for treating endometriosis, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, etc.

What is the Procedure for Robotic Surgeries in India?

Robotic surgery in India and other places is done using advanced technology. A robotic surgery system has three main parts:

• Surgeon's console: This is where the surgeon sits to see and control the surgical tools.
• Vision cart: This part helps all the components of the system work together smoothly.
• Patient cart: This is placed next to the patient’s bed and holds the camera and tools needed for the surgery.

All these parts work together to help the surgeon see and control the instruments during the surgery. Robotic surgery is helpful in many areas, including:

• Gastrointestinal surgery
• Heart and chest surgery
• Cancer surgery for women’s reproductive organs
• Surgery for the head and neck
• Urology (related to the urinary system)

How is Robotic Surgery Performed?

Robotic surgery is performed with small tools attached to a robotic arm and under the supervision of certified robotic surgeons in India that control these automated based surgical systems:

• Surgeons give general anaesthesia to patients so that they can sleep and feel no pain.
• The surgeon sits at the console and directs the movements of a robot. Small surgical tools are attached to the patient's cart.
• The surgeon makes small incisions to insert the instruments into the body.
• Endoscope - a thin tube with a camera attached to the end of it allows the surgeons to view enlarged 3-D images of the body.
• Surgeons communicate with robots to match their hand movements to perform the procedure using minute instruments.

Cost of Robotic Surgery in India

Robotic surgery costs in India depend on the types of robots used in surgery, the complexity of the procedure, and the expertise of the surgeon. Robotic surgeries are usually more expensive than traditional methods, owing to the use of advanced technology. In India, a basic robotic surgery may start from ₹ 1.5 lakhs. On the other hand, the cost of a complicated surgery may go beyond ₹ 10 lakhs, depending on the type of surgery and the location of the hospital. For instance, a robotic-assisted laparoscopy will be much cheaper compared to robotic cardiac surgery. The cost of these treatments varies depending on the city of the treatment as the cost is lower in tier-2 cities.

Is Robotic Surgery Covered under Health Insurance?

As per IRDAI regulation in 2019, all health insurance companies are required to cover robotic surgeries as modern treatments. However, it is crucial to understand the inclusions and exclusions and terms and conditions of a health insurance plan before making the final decision.

Given below are some conditions that have to be fulfilled for robotic surgery cover:

• Robotic surgeries are covered only if recommended by an expert robotic surgeon.
• The coverage also depends on the disease for which robotic surgery is required.
• If the patient has an underlying condition that requires robotic surgery, the waiting periods will be applicable as specified in the best health insurance plan, ranging from 30 months to 3 years.
• The coverage is offered subject to sub-limits specified in the plan.

In a Nutshell

Robotic surgery has changed the way surgeries are performed all over the world. The high precision and flexibility offered by a robot have made it easier to perform complex procedures in a short time with better results. At Care Health Insurance, we offer surgery health insurance, a robust insurance policy that provides coverage for robotic surgeries under its ‘Advance Technology Method’ coverage for hospitalisation expenses. You can reach out to our experts to know more about policy benefits and the scope of coverage.

>> Also Read: What Type of Surgeries Does Health Insurance Cover?

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.