16 Sep 2022
Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, has been in practice for more than two decades now. This cutting-edge technology does not only represent the next era of surgical innovation, but also offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods. As new technologies continue to enter the healthcare sector, robotic surgeries will surely have far-reaching implications and reshape the way we have been practicing surgery over the past centuries.
What is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that is performed using a robotic surgical system. This system allows the surgeon to carry out complex surgical procedures by providing augmented vision, enhanced precision control and better ergonomics.
The procedure is essentially remote-controlled by a professional surgeon. The robotic surgical system, consisting of the surgeon’s console, a patient cart, and the vision cart, helps the surgeon in reaching hard-to-access parts of the human body and carry out successful surgeries. Since Robotic Surgery is minimally invasive, it results in minimal blood loss and faster recovery. It also carries a lower risk of infection and is less painful compared to traditional methods.
The Indian Robotic Surgery Market
India is a highly sought-after medical value destination for patients from all over the world due to the availability of skilled doctors and surgeons, who can provide high-quality medical services at an affordable cost. The emergence of robotic surgery in India will draw more international patients and give a boost the country’s medical value tourism industry.
For the Indian health ecosystem in terms of accessibility and cost, the recent emergence of indigenous surgical systems inspires considerable optimism and expectations. It will be important to keep in mind, though, that these systems are still at the beginning of their learning curve and will require time and market experience to compete with the cutting-edge surgical systems now available on the market. On the quality of service and patient safety, a substantial influence from the new legislation restricting the use of imported systems and technology in the public healthcare ecosystem is anticipated.
The Way Ahead
Surgical robots are becoming more sophisticated as a result of technological advancement, offering a greater range of movement and precise dissection. Similar to this, modern visualization tools like binocular lenses, high-resolution HD cameras, and amplified 3D vision provide surgeons with more comfort and better dexterity. Robotic towers and arms can enhance control and coordination and lessen mistakes brought on by weariness. In addition, there is a lesser probability of bleeding and infection.
It is crucial to realise that the systems now on the market, although being imported, have amassed sufficient data and insights over time about not only the effectiveness of these systems but also many elements of surgical use and patient safety. Long-standing surgical systems must be permitted to continue investing in and developing the ecosystem in India, particularly the public sector, where we see all segments of the society gain access to high-quality and equitable healthcare, even as we continuously create and build space for indigenous players to define and enhance their capabilities and efficacies steadily.
The popularity of robotic surgical procedures is expected to rise globally with an increase in chronic diseases and a steep rise in the demand for quality health care. Given our aspiration to excel in the healthcare industry, with well-trained robotic surgeons and state-of-the-art infrastructure, India is poised to rise as a world leader in robotic surgery.