OB-gyne, Dr. Becky Singson, inserts a robotic cutter into a patient to assist in a first hysterectomy operation. (Photo by MANDY NAVASERO)
MANILA, Philippines – You’d think robotics in surgery was just a scene from a science fiction movie. But no, the technology is now a reality. Robotic surgery is a breakthrough surgical technology which raises the bar of surgical management in the Philippines with a new category of minimally invasive surgery in the country.
The Da Vinci Surgical System is a sophisticated robotic set up capable of expanding the operator’s surgical skills, allowing the surgeon to operate with unmatched accuracy, vision and control. Furthermore, the surgeon can offer a minimally invasive option which is far more precise than laparoscopic surgery, in place of a major traditional surgery. For moms, it can be used to remove ovarian cysts, endometriosis, myomectomy, uterine prolapsed, hysterectomy, and even in pelvic cancer surgery
Robotic surgery has a number of benefits for :
1. Small incisions and therefore minimal to invisible scarring
2. Significantly less pain because the wounds are so small a band-aid can cover them
3. Minimal blood loss and need for transfusion
4. Fewer complications, such as post operative adhesions because there is less manipulation and injury to tissues; or inadvertent damage to normal vessels and nerves due to higher magnification of structures
5. Shorter hospital stay which is reduced from 24-48 hours for a surgery that used to have a four to five day stay.
6. Quicker recovery and return to normal activities – return to work within a week with a surgery that used to take four to eight weeks downtime
7. Better outcomes and patient satisfaction
8. More comfortable and less muscle fatigue for the surgeon who is seated throughout the surgery performing the surgery from the console as opposed to standing for five hours or more in performing a difficult cancer surgery.
