Robotic Surgery - Compassionate Technology Fosters Quicker Recovery and Faster Healing

I was recently conducting some research on innovative robotics and discovered a number of amazing developments that have received significant publicity in the medical technology arena, but need some added visibility for the benefit of the general public.

Perhaps one of the most innovative developments is the introduction of the da Vinci robotic surgery system which enables a skilled surgeon to operate in a minimally invasive manner. Simply put, minimally invasive means that the less traumatic the incision required to complete the surgery, the better the outcome will be for the patient. The patient is subjected to a much shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain is experienced, bleeding is minimized, scarring is reduced and much quicker healing is fostered. This translates into significant benefits for the patient and enables a much quicker return to the normal activities of life.

For this robotic surgery the physician sits at a console adjacent to the patient and through very small incisions into the patient inserts a micro-camera as well as micro-surgical robotic arms that then respond precisely to the movements of a skilled physicians hands.

I recently had the opportunity to speak to Dr. David McLaughlin, the Director of the Women's Specialty Health Centers P. C. in Noblesville, Indiana. Dr. McLaughlin, a gynecologist, has used the da Vinci robotic surgical system since July 2005 in a number of specialized surgical procedures and is convinced that the results provide significantly better benefits for his patients than the previous surgical methods. More importantly, his patients are of the same mind.

Dr. McLaughlin reiterated the benefits that are available to patients that avail themselves of this development in medical technology and offered an interesting perspective. He stated that he is convinced that empathy, compassion and understanding are critical for the recovery of patients that are required to undergo surgery, but he added, "I also believe that in addition to openly and sincerely communicating with my patients, that one of the more compassionate things that a physician can offer a patient is to minimize their hospitalization, reduce their pain and provide opportunities for their quick recovery. The da Vinci surgical system offers this respite and comfort to the patient." He went on to add that, "while this is robotic controlled, my precision surgery is enhanced through 3D imaging that in many cases can actually offer much better visualization for the surgeon than that available from traditional methods."

Dr. McLaughlin uses the da Vinci surgical system in gynecologic surgery for minimally invasive hysterectomy procedures as well as the removal of fibroids, ovarian cysts and ovaries. Additionally, the system is used for tubal reanastomosis for sterilization reversal as well as for ovarian tissue banking for fertility preservation.

I asked him if there were other uses for this robotic surgery and he cited a litany of present applications and said that there were many more opportunities that will be available to patients as this technology continues to expand and develop.

I was thankful for the opportunity to discuss this with him and took away some very interesting insights into this wonderful development in medical technology. I guess the most important point is to be cognizant of the many advances in medicine. As a relatively healthy baby-boomer who is looking forward to many years of retirement, I also know that it is likely that I will at some point probably have to undergo some sort of surgical procedure and it is important to be aware of the innovations that are occurring. My family as well as I will be better served if we are knowledgeable.