The new generation of surgical technology

Da Vinci: The new generation of surgical technology

An invention that can change the world.

Da Vinci is a robot used for surgery. The first operation with a Da Vinci robot was performed in 2000.
In the US, over 600 Da Vinci systems have been launched at a variety of hospitals in the mean time. In Europe, things are different: only few experts are skilled enough to use this revolutionary method of surgery.
Da Vinci is used to help patients who suffer from prostate and urinary bladder cancer, but also patients who had one or both kidneys removed and other who wish to undo an earlier sterilization.
Surgeons working with this system sit at a computer workstation called a console. From there they control special instruments, which are inserted into the body through small incisions. Robots make small operations easier and reduce the risk of infections.
Only Surgeons control the system at all times. There is no other form of system control. The robots never work simply at the touch of a button. The instruments can be rotated in all directions and can be moved like a hand.
The camera is also controlled by the surgeon. It provides a three-dimensional image of the area operated on and can be enlarged up to ten times.
 
The advantages such robots offer the patients are:
- short hospital stay
- faster healing process
- less pain and substantially lower risk of infection
- less loss of blood, usually no need for blood transfusion
- clinically superior results
- maximum precision
- maximum safety
- smaller cicatrice
- fewer people have to be in the surgery
There are a few disadvantages however:
- the Da Vinci system is expensive
- there will be a reduction of staff if robots perform all operations in the future
- it is complex to repair a damaged robot


In front of the picture we see the console and in the back of the picture is the Da Vinci system.

The first documented robot-assisted surgical operation was performed in 1985.
The future of robotic surgery is nearly as promising as the human will to invent better ways of accomplishing delicate medical procedures. We may assume that the current advantages provided by robotic surgical systems will be expanded in the next generation of medical robotics.

JENNI LANGOF, DENISE BARANITA, LADINA ZUMSTEG