The journey of cancer treatment methods has changed drastically over the past few decades. One of the outstanding changes in the area of surgical oncology is definitely the advent of a robotics-assisted operation – a technology just like that, which is turning the tide of complicated cancer treatment. This advanced method enables precision operations, less recovery time, and low pain. This is the reason why it is getting attraction of the best cancer specialists in India.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
The innovative process of robotic surgery is one where the specialists employ robotic arms made for the purpose, along with the use of a camera to carry out very sensitive operations. The surgeon is not at the patient’s side, instead, he is at a control console directing the robot’s movements.
Such surgical arms come with tiny instruments and a high-resolution 3D camera for a vivid inspection of the patient’s interior. They are also capable of ultra-precise micro-movements which are almost impossible to be done by traditional surgery methods. This exactness allows the surgeons to reach the deep areas with less risk of injuring the healthy tissues around.
Cancers Treated with Robotic Surgery
Currently, robotic surgery is the method of treatment for all kinds of cancer affecting the different areas of the body such as:
Prostate cancer – Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy
Gynaecological cancers – Robotic hysterectomy
Bowel cancer – Robotic colorectal surgery
Throat cancer – Robotic thyroidectomy
Lung cancer – Robotic lung lobectomy
These operations that were formerly very traumatic to the patient with a prolonged recovery period are now possible with smaller cuts and faster recovery.
How Robotic Surgery Grew in India
India’s first robotic surgery was a milestone moment in medical history. Since then, the use of robotic surgery has rapidly expanded in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, making advanced cancer treatments more accessible and effective across the country..
In fact, Delhi has become the hub of robotic cancer treatments that are accessible to people with state-of-the-art infrastructure, up-to-date surgical systems and well-trained surgeons. The cost of robotic surgery in India is only a small portion of that in other countries, while the quality of results is similar.
Nowadays, the number of hospitals with departments of robotic surgery has increased considerably. The departments are equipped with the latest technology and strive for patient-centred care.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery has several advantages for cancer patients:
Higher Accuracy: The use of robotic arms removes the involuntary shaking movements of the hands and allows surgeons to perform very small movements, which is perfect for complete removal of tumours.
Less Invasive: The smaller incisions result in less pain, minimal scarring, and quicker recovery in comparison with traditional open surgeries.
Better Visualisation: The 3D cameras provide a perfect view of the tumour and the tissues around it, thus giving a determined removal.
Faster Recovery: Patients usually have a shorter stay in the hospital and are able to go back to their normal activities sooner.
Minimal Blood Loss: High precision greatly lowers the bleeding part of the surgery and the need for blood transfusions is reduced.
Disadvantages of Robotic Surgery
While robotic surgery is effective in many ways, it also has some inconveniences:
Higher Costs: Although a shorter recovery period is usually the case, robotic surgery is basically pricier. Moreover, the total treatment cost is higher.
Limited Availability: Equipment or trained staff are not available in every hospital so they can perform robotic surgeries.
No Sensory Feedback: Surgeons who operate robots have to rely on the images they see rather than the feeling of the instruments, which is quite a change for some of them.
Complicated Technology: Special training is required to operate the machines and the time taken to become proficient is not the same for all.
Is Robotic Surgery Safe?
Basically, the main safety measure is the presence of a seasoned surgeon. Actually, the number of complications during robot-assisted surgery is often less than that of conventional open surgery.
Nevertheless, in general, surgery-related risks are still there – bleeding, infection, and problems with anaesthesia, etc. Robot malfunctions are very occasional; however, if that happens, the surgeon can immediately revert to the conventional method.
Robotic vs Traditional Surgery
| Feature | Traditional Surgery | Robotic Surgery |
| Incision Size | Large open cuts | Small keyhole incisions |
| Precision | Depends on surgeon’s skill alone | Enhanced with robotic technology |
| Recovery Time | Longer hospital stay | Shorter stay, quicker recovery |
| Pain & Scarring | More pain, more scarring | Minimal pain, reduced scarring |
| Visualisation | Standard surgical view | High-definition 3D view |
The Future of Robotic Surgery in India
Robotic cancer treatment has a very promising future. Some of the future developments in artificial intelligence, imaging, and robotic control systems will not only make surgeries safer but will also be more effective.
These techniques include single-port robots, AI-assisted planning, and remote surgeries. The next step is the propagation of technology and training in different cities, which will make this revolutionary treatment easily accessible to the patients residing in small towns.
Making the Right Choice
Several things influence the decision to go for a robotic surgery, these are: the kind of cancer, your health status, the surgeon’s knowledge and the hospital’s provision. It is always a good idea to have a thorough discussion of the pros and cons with an expert who is skilled in robotic cancer operations.
At Surgical Oncology Solutions, a one-on-one consultation is given to the patient to decide whether or not robotic surgery is the right choice. The team of doctors with their high expertise, state-of-the-art instruments, and patient delight as their prime focus, make sure that each and every case gets the most appropriate treatment plan.
Conclusion
In case you or a family member are pondering over the robotic cancer surgery, investing some time in delving into your choices, grasping the procedure, and seeking advice from competent experts would be wise. It is simply not a story about the cutting-edge technology of robots; rather it is about offering patients a healthier, faster and more optimistic way to heal.
