Interested in surgery but not sure if laparoscopic surgery is for you? Good news-robotic surgery may be for you!
A robotic surgery certificate is a not commonly procured certificate by many surgeons. However, robotic surgery continues to be a growing field in the world of medicine. While conducting robotic surgery, a surgeon can view the procedure from a computer screen that magnifies everything in 3-D, which greatly improves his field of vision. Furthermore, as a result of the machine’s programming, the system corrects for the surgeon’s hand tremors and thus makes the procedure less invasive and reduces physician fatigue. Due to the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery, a person can now receive more complex surgeries than with laparoscopic surgery due to the increased flexibility of the robot. Robotic surgery seems great, right?
Now, are you interested in learning more about robotic surgery? Here is a mini course…
Above is an image of a basic training device for those learning robotic surgery “the RoSS”, which stands for the Robotic Surgical Simulator. The simulator allows a person to have a better understanding of the difference in depth-perception and tactic feedback with using the machine and how sensitive the machine is. As a result, a person has to make very subtle movements using the "pinchers" in order to move tissue or tie knots. In order to move the arm further than its current reach, call in another Omni (robotic arm) and etc., there are a series of six petals that a person must use.
After developing an understanding of robotic surgery through extensive practice, the person will then move onto the more advanced robotic surgery system: the da Vinci. The da Vinci, unlike the RoSS, often is in another room or across the room from the operating table and actually controls real Omni or “arms.” Many often find the da Vinci less sensitive and easier to use than the RoSS—at least that is my experience.
Congratulations—you have almost completed a basic course in robotic surgery!!!!! :)
If you want any more information, feel free to contact me!
Libby Bassini is a freshman in the SFS, majoring in STIA. Libby loves hiking in the woods, loves sailing and anything else related to water. She can often be found researching water issues and wants to grow up to work with enhancing clean water availability (filtration and policy) around the world.