The Future of Robotic Surgery

Article by: Sharon Wong Shi May

---

Robotic surgery is poised to revolutionise the landscape of modern medicine, offering unprecedented precision, minimally invasive procedures, and transformative patient care. As technology continues to advance, the future of robotic surgery holds promising developments that could redefine surgical standards on a global scale.

Technological advancements in the field of robotics have paved the way for increased dexterity, precision, and miniaturisation leading to remarkable surgical outcomes. One example of this innovation would be the high-definition 3D visualisation, which allows surgeons to perform delicate procedures with greater control and minimal tissue damage. Coupled with the haptic feedback systems which enable surgeons to "feel" tissues mimicking the tactile sensation of traditional surgery, these improvements significantly enhance decision-making during procedures (Seymour et al., 2017).

High-definition 3D visualisation

In addition, AI has also made monumental strides in the field of robotic surgery. AI would assist surgeons in both planning and executing surgeries, the data collected by AI would be analysed to improve decision-making, reduce errors, and tailor personalised surgeries based on patient-specific data. This smart integration paves the way for more adaptive, intelligent robotic systems (Topol, 2019). Although AI is able to improve decision-making for surgeons, it is important to recognise the potential ethical implications it could cause. This is because AI algorithms can unintentionally inherit biases from the data they have collected, which could affect patient outcomes.

Robotic surgery is also known to use minimally invasive techniques, characterised by smaller incisions, that significantly improve patient recovery. Additionally, smaller incisions lead to reduced blood loss and a lower risk of infections, contributing to safer recoveries and a shorter hospital stay. This approach benefits a broad spectrum of surgical specialities, including urology, gynaecology, cardiology, and orthopaedics, translating into faster recoveries and improved patient outcomes (Maresca et al., 2020).

Remote and teleoperation surgery is now possible with the advancements in network technology, expert surgeons from around the world are enabled to assist in procedures. While promising, challenges such as latency, cybersecurity threats, and maintaining reliable communication channels need to be addressed before these procedures become mainstream (Khan & Yazici, 2020).

Robotic surgery is on the brink of a new era marked by cutting-edge technological innovations that promise to improve surgical outcomes and patient experiences dramatically. While there are challenges to overcome, including cost and regulatory hurdles, the trajectory points toward a future where robotic systems are integral to healthcare. As these tools become more sophisticated and accessible, they hold the potential to revolutionize surgery. Ultimately, robotic surgery will contribute to more precise, accessible, and personalised patient care worldwide.

---

Citations:

• Khan, S., & Yazici, H. (2020). "Remote surgery: Opportunities and challenges." Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 26(7), 847-852

• Lanfranco, A. R., et al. (2014). Robotic surgery: a current perspective." International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer-Assisted Surgery, 10(4), 263-271

• Maresca, G., et al. (2020). "The evolution of minimally invasive surgery." World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 15(1), 25.

• Seymour, N. E., et al. (2017). "Haptic feedback and robotic surgery: State of the art." Surgical Endoscopy, 31(2), 537-548

• Topol, E. J. (2019). Deep medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again.