[Medical Q&A] Is surgery more precise when performed by robots?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Wang Guixiang, deputy chief physician, Shenzhen Hospital, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Yes.

Artificial intelligence-assisted surgery, also known as "robot-assisted surgery," is the result of research that integrates medicine, information technology, motion control, image processing technology, artificial vision and other disciplines. This advanced surgical equipment combines intelligence and minimally invasive surgery, providing doctors with clearer images and better vision, and achieving higher surgical precision. Robot-assisted surgery is performed by specially trained doctors. During the operation, one or more robotic arms are usually used, which are equipped with surgical tools. Doctors control these robotic arms through a console to complete the operation. The robotic arms can filter out hand tremors, reduce surgical trauma, and give patients a more comfortable surgical experience. The surgical operation process is more precise and safer, while shortening the patient's recovery time after surgery.

Robot-assisted surgery can be used in many different surgical fields, such as gynecology, cardiac surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, urology, etc. For complex surgeries, for example, combining robot-assisted surgery with single-port laparoscopic technology for gynecological surgery not only ensures precise surgical operations, but also leaves the body surface "without traces", which not only brings better treatment effects and quality of life to patients, but also provides new directions and possibilities for the development of surgical technology in my country.