The Food and Drug Administration FDA has cleared computer-assisted surgical systems for use by trained physicians in an operating room environment for laparoscopic surgical procedures in general, cardiac, colorectal, gynecologic, head and neck, thoracic and urologic surgical procedures.
The term telemanipulator, or telesurgery, implies that there is a distance interposed between the surgeon and the patient. The computer enhances the interaction between the surgeon and the bedside robotic device by eliminating tremor and scaling all motions to a selected degree. This makes fine and precise movements of the surgical instruments possible.
In addition, the robotic instruments are multi-articulated and capable of a full range of motion enabling complex maneuvers that would be difficult with standard laparoscopic instruments. High-definition, three-dimensional visualization provides image detail and depth. A robotic arm manipulates the camera, providing a steady view that is directed by the operating surgeon. The surgeon sits at the control console, separated from the operative table but typically in the same room.
The vision system cart includes the processor, video monitor, light source, and other equipment related to the endoscopic camera. The cart receives input from the camera and displays the resulting live video on the video monitor and at the surgeon console. There are currently more than 50 different detachable instruments needle drivers, graspers, etc. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery when compared to an open approach have been well documented in many surgical specialties and for many different procedures [].
These differences include decreased duration of hospital stay, less pain, fewer wound infections and hernias, quicker return of bowel function, and less time to resume normal activities.
