As an international metropolis in Asia, Hong Kong has consistently been at the forefront of medical technology development. In recent years, the city’s medical industry has begun introducing medical robots, injecting new vitality into the sector. How exactly are medical robots applied in surgical treatments? Read this article as we provide a detailed introduction to the principles and benefits of robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, helping you gain a deeper understanding.
What is Robotic-Assisted Surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery, also known as robotic surgery, involves the use of robotic arms to assist surgeons in performing traditional surgical procedures. This technology combines the precision of robots with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, offering surgeons greater accuracy, flexibility, and control.
How Robotic Surgery Works
The operating principle of robotic surgery is quite straightforward. To understand it, one must first grasp the steps of robotic-assisted surgery: the surgeon makes a few small incisions on the patient’s body, then inserts minimally invasive instruments and a medical camera. From there, the surgeon operates the robotic arms via a console, observing high-definition views transmitted by the camera to accurately perform the surgery.
The principles utilized in robotic surgery include:
- High-Definition 3D Imaging: The robotic system is equipped with a high-resolution 3D camera that magnifies the surgical area four times, providing the surgeon with a clear three-dimensional view.
- Precision Operation: The robotic arms mimic the multi-angle flexibility of human hands but with greater precision and stability, enabling complex anatomical maneuvers.
- Surgeon Console: The surgeon controls the robotic arms through a console, where hand movements are amplified and transmitted to the robotic arms for precise execution
What Types of Surgeries Are Robotic Arms Typically Used For?
The technology and applications of robotic surgery are highly versatile, making it suitable for complex procedures such as tumor removal, organ transplantation, tissue and organ repair, and vascular suturing. Below are the types of surgical treatments for which robotic arms are applicable:
Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery for Prostate Cancer
The urinary system encompasses various organs, and conditions affecting the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and prostate in men may require surgical intervention. With the increasingly mature development of robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, many urinary system diseases can be effectively treated using this technology to help patients achieve a full recovery. In prostate cancer patients without metastasis, robot-assisted minimally invasive radical prostatectomy offers great precision and safety. During the procedure, it effectively magnifies the surgical field, allowing clear dissection of the prostate from the surrounding nerves and vessels. This enables precise tumor and organ removal while preserving critical blood vessels and nerves. Thanks to the precise and flexible operation of the instruments, the size of surgical incisions is reduced, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and resulting in less trauma. As a result, patients experience a lower risk of bleeding and other postoperative complications, while enjoying a shorter recovery to bowel function. The urinary passage can be precisely reconstructed with the robotic approach, improving the early post-surgery urinary control function. For patients undergoing removal of prostate cancer by robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, most can be up and about within just a few days, with relatively less pain, significantly aiding the overall recovery process.
Learn more about the urology specialist services at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road, as well as detailed information on the robotic surgery center’s offerings.
Urological Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery, as an advanced minimally invasive procedure, utilizes precise robotic systems to assist surgeons in performing complex urological operations. Compared to traditional open surgeries, robotic surgery offers significant advantages. The robotic arms possess high flexibility and precision, and the system provides high-definition 3D imaging, allowing doctors to clearly observe the surgical site for meticulous operations. Additionally, the robotic system can control the extent of incisions, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, which leads to faster postoperative recovery.
Robotic surgery in urology is applicable to various urinary system diseases, including prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, kidney removal, and ureter reconstruction. Although robotic surgery has many benefits, it is not suitable for all patients. Surgeons will assess the specific conditions of each patient to evaluate the surgical risks and develop the best treatment plan.
Robotic Minimally Invasive Partial Nephrectomy
The kidneys play a crucial role in the body's ability to eliminate or filter waste, fluids, and electrolytes. Even with one healthy kidney, the body can maintain its function. However, individuals with long-term illness may have impaired kidney function to manage bodily functions effectively. Therefore, when treating kidney cancer, doctors shall consider just removing the tumour while preserving normal part of the kidney to preserve its function and safeguard the patient's future health.
The kidney's complex structure, along with the tumor's size, location and depth determines the surgical approach. Robotic minimally invasive surgery allows for precise tumor localization, ensuring complete and accurate removal with minimal damages to the normal kidney tissue. In order to enhance the operative accuracy, advanced 3D image analysis technology can be utilised by doctors before the surgery for clear understanding of the blood vessel distribution of the patient’s kidney, the depth of the tumor and whether it is close to the urine collecting system. During the operation, the surgeon can also refer to the 3D model in real time to enhance the safety of the operation.
The goal of partial nephrectomy for kidney tumors is to improve cancer cell clearance rates, reduce the risk of recurrence, and preserve kidney function.
What Are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?
High Precision
The movements of robotic arms are unaffected by hand tremors, allowing for more precise execution of surgery. This enhances the range of motion and flexibility during the procedure while reducing the risk of complications.
Smaller Incisions
Compared to traditional surgery, minimally invasive surgery results in smaller incisions, allowing patients to recover more quickly.
Reduced Blood Loss
The precise operation of robotic arms minimizes damage to blood vessels, reducing the risk of blood loss.
Are the Risks of Robotic Surgery High?
Although robotic surgery offers significant advantages in precision and minimally invasive techniques, it still carries certain risks:
- Equipment Failure: Malfunctions in the machinery could lead to interruptions during surgery, though this is uncommon.
- Surgeon Experience: Inexperience in operating the system may increase risks.
- Surgical Complications: intrinsic complications of individual procedure
The overall risks associated with robotic minimally invasive surgery are lower than those of traditional surgery, making it a more ideal surgical option.
Is Robotic Arm Surgery Common in Hong Kong?
Robotic arm surgery is becoming increasingly common in Hong Kong. With advancements in medical technology and a growing demand for minimally invasive procedures, more hospitals in Hong Kong are adopting robotic arm surgery systems. The applications of robotic arms are also expanding, covering fields such as urology and gynecology, with the technology becoming more refined. Additionally, hospitals are actively training medical staff to enhance their expertise in robotic arm surgery.
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road established a dedicated Robotic Surgery Center in 2024, offering a variety of robotic-assisted surgeries to provide patients with more advanced and precise treatments. Click here to learn more about the Robotic Surgery Center.
