The Robodoctor

The da Vinci surgical system, designed by Intuitive Surgical is being called the ‘Robodoctor’ for its role in assisting surgeons during operations. The novelty of the system is its minimally invasive incisions which heal much quicker as compared to normal surgery, making post-operative care and recovery easier.  Faster recovery means lesser time spent in the hospital. It also reduces blood loss since its incisions are more precise and smaller, and cuts down on operation time by about 25 percent.The apparatus is pretty state-of-the-art with four manoeuvrable surgical arms controlled by the surgeon who sits at the control console. The surgeon can see the operation from his screen in 3D and colour, and can perceive very minute detail that would otherwise skip the naked eye. Perhaps the best advantage of the instrument is the impossibility of shaking hands.The da Vinci sounds like a great instrument and probably is, except for one very important drawback --- lack of tactile feedback. The human hand is a much more intuitive surgical instrument that can gauge depth, texture and delicateness of the operation than any robot can. But gastroenterologist and laproscopy specialist at KIMS, Dr M B V Prasad says,” Lack of tactile feedback is definitely a drawback but the instrument is sophisticated enough to help the surgeon gauge such parameters. Besides, the robot is a master slave and cannot function without a doctor at the control console. Hence safety of the patient is ensured.”So how much does such a fancy and advanced operation cost? Says Dr B Bhaskar Rao, cardiothoracic surgeon and CEO of KIMS, “At the moment, the cost of operation is around $5000 - $6000 (approximately around Rs 2.5 lakh). Each operation requires a new set of surgical arms since they are disposable, which is costly.” This innovation is being introduced in association with Vattikuti Urology Institute in Michigan, USA. The instrument, which costs around a sweet Rs 10 crore, will start functioning from June 26th and will be used by the institute to assist cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries, including urology (to do with the kidney and urinary bladder), gynaecology and so on. KIMS will also be organising a workshop on June 29 for consultants on Robotic surgery, conducted by Dr James Peabody from Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA. For details, one may contact Dr M Gopichand on 9849062521 or mail him at [email protected] or Mrs Dharani on 9676299605 or mail her at [email protected]. One can also log on to www.kims.co.in.