Types of Procedures

Surgical robots are used in a variety of procedures across multiple medical specialties. Here's a detailed overview of the types of surgical procedures commonly carried out with the aid of surgical robots:

  1. General Surgery:

    • Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder.

    • Hernia Repair: Repair of hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, and hiatal hernias.

    • Gastrectomy: Partial or total removal of the stomach, often for cancer treatment.

  2. Gynecology:

    • Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus for conditions like fibroids or cancer.

    • Myomectomy: Removal of uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus.

    • Endometriosis Resection: Surgical treatment of endometriosis, a condition where the tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it.

  3. Urology:

    • Prostatectomy: Removal of all or part of the prostate gland, often for cancer treatment.

    • Nephrectomy: Partial or complete removal of a kidney, often for treating kidney cancer.

    • Pyeloplasty: Surgery to correct a blockage or narrowing of the upper part of the urinary tract.

  4. Cardiothoracic Surgery:

    • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Bypassing clogged heart arteries.

    • Lobectomy or Segmentectomy for Lung Cancer: Removal of a lobe or a part of the lung for lung cancer treatment.

    • Thymectomy: Removal of the thymus gland, often for conditions like myasthenia gravis.

  5. Orthopedic Surgery:

    • Joint Replacement: Assisting in precise placement of artificial joints, such as in knee or hip replacement surgeries.

    • Spine Surgery: For precise and minimally invasive procedures on the spine.

  6. Neurosurgery:

    • Deep Brain Stimulation: Placement of electrodes in specific areas of the brain for conditions like Parkinson's disease.

    • Biopsy or Resection of Brain Tumors: Precise removal or biopsy of brain tumors.

  7. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat):

    • TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS): For tumors of the mouth and throat.

    • Sinus Surgery: Enhanced precision in sinus surgery procedures.

  8. Colorectal Surgery:

    • Colectomy: Removal of all or part of the colon.

    • Rectal Resection: Surgery for rectal cancer.

  9. Bariatric Surgery:

    • Gastric Bypass: Creating a small stomach pouch and bypassing part of the small intestine.

    • Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removal of a portion of the stomach.

  10. Pediatric Surgery:

    • Repair of Congenital Defects: Such as heart defects or abdominal wall defects.

    • Tumor Resection: Removal of tumors in children.

The use of surgical robots offers several advantages, including enhanced precision, smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, quicker recovery times, and less pain post-surgery. However, the availability and use of robotic surgery can vary based on the hospital's resources and the surgeons' expertise.