Robots just as effective as human surgeons: Study

Chennai

The Australian study revealed that those who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy for prostate cancer were doing as well as those who had radical retropubic prostatectomy (a surgical procedure in which the prostate gland is removed through an incision in the abdomen), 12 weeks after the procedure. However, the study also found that those who underwent the advanced surgery experienced less pain, less blood less and had a faster recovery. Talking to DTNext about the study that aimed to find out the functional and oncological outcomes, city doctors say that robotic surgery would be a major aspect of procedures in the future.  Magnified view, less pain: Dr Ananthakrishnan Sivaraman, consultant urologist, laparoscopic and robotic surgeon, says that at the moment, looking at the results for 12 weeks after the procedure, the obvious outcomes are less pain, less blood loss and faster recovery in the robotic arm of the study. However, in terms of cancer control, both yielded more or less the same results. He says, “The 3D vision and magnification of the pelvis region, especially when we have to reach the prostate gland, is a huge advantage in robotic surgery.”

Robotic surgery has been slowly picking up in India, say experts, adding that while it may not be the answer for all procedures, the technology would be a game changer for several procedures involving the uterus, rectum and prostate. Dr Venkatesh Munikrishnan, consultant colorectal surgeon, says, “In laparoscopy procedure, we have an assistant showing us the camera in order to manoeuvre around the pelvis, which is narrow. But in robotic surgery, the camera is under your control. The instruments used also mimic your wrist, enabling you to make fine dissections.”

Better results: Dr Ananthakrishnan points out that it is interesting to observe that robotic surgery could lessen the learning curve of the surgeons. He explains, “The doctor performing the open surgery had more than 1,500 surgeries to his credit, but the surgeon aided by the robot had about 300 or more to his credit. The study shows a junior surgeon could produce equal results, when compared to a senior specialist.” They also say that apart from cancer control, the emphasis is on preserving nerves. Dr Venkatesh says, “We are heading towards good functions after the procedure like normal continence and an active sexual life.” He says that if robotic surgery could be made affordable, it would be the best option. “In big centres, the difference in cost when compared to laparoscopic procedure would be around Rs. 4 lakh, while robotic surgery would be around Rs. 4.5 lakh. As we perform more surgeries the costs can be brought down,” he adds.