Yes, try to repeat those words again. Robotic surgery. Don’t you just love how the name rolls off your tongue? It is said that in a few years, a robot will actually be able to perform a surgery, without the need of a surgeon. Frightening? Cool? Or perhaps a combination of both?
In the 20th century, people used to say: “A computer? Why, never in all my years have I heard such an outrageous word as that! I say, Gwendolyn, fetch me my monocle!”
Okay, maybe not exactly like that. However, you can’t deny the fact that when talking about computers and robots, only science fiction writers predicted the magnificent boom of technology.
Okay, maybe not exactly like that. However, you can’t deny the fact that when talking about computers and robots, only science fiction writers predicted the magnificent boom of technology.
Where were we? Ah, yes. Robotic surgery can mean two things:
- Using a computer to perform operations from a distance
- Artificial intelligent robot which can perform a surgery on its own
The main difference between these types is the involvement of the surgeon with the surgery. In the first type, the surgeon is performing the surgery, which is usually extremely delicate, with the assistance of a robot. This means that he does not have to stand beside the patient in order to execute the surgery. As a matter of fact, the surgeon only controls robotic arms from a computer station, and the arms move according to the surgeon’s movement.
So you could say it’s a bit like a video game. Except in this case, there aren’t any extra lives. Yikes.
The advantage is the increased accuracy. You see, a surgeon is only human, and there is a chance that the surgeon might have shaky hands or might have a spontaneous sneezing fit. Who knows? Another advantage is the fact that this has opened new doors: a surgeon will be able to perform a surgery even though he is miles away! However, there is a disadvantage. Robotic surgery equipment is extremely expensive!
As for the second type, the robot performs the surgery on its own. The robot is programmed; it uses many different sensors and is able to carry out the surgery with no human assistance whatsoever. The movement of this robot is precise, and therefore accuracy increases. One example of this kind of surgery is in Italy, where a robot by the name of ‘The Da Vinci Robot’ has performed more than 40 surgeries.
A superb advantage is instead of making an incision large enough for a human hand, the robot makes an incision large enough for the robot’s hands (which are about the size of a US dime). A smaller incision means fewer traumas for the patient, and therefore healing is quicker. It also decreases the chance of infection. Another advantage is precision, so there will be no need for the fear that the robot will go ballistic and accidentally cut the patient’s leg off. However, the disadvantage is the lack of human comfort. Some may find that a robot performing surgery on them creeps them out.
To conclude, there is no denying that robots will become a huge part of our lives in the future. We have already seen how robots have affected the manufacturing of goods, and some even own robotic pets! Will the artificial intelligence field rule the 21st century? Bring it on!
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Written by: Sara Almasri
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