Physicians and researchers are weighing the pros and cons of robotic surgical systems, as the popularity of such systems increases in facilities across the United States, according to a News-Leader report.
According to the report, the da Vinci system is used in more than 1,100 hospitals in the United States. Many physicians tout the benefits of robotic surgical systems like the da Vinci system, saying the tool revolutionizes the way physicians perform surgery. Thomas Shultz, MD, an obstetrician affiliated with CoxHealth, said the instruments inside the patient are similar to having a wrist inside the patient's pelvis, giving the physician a degree of safety previously unattainable.
According to the report, the view of the patient is magnified up to 10 times through cameras with the da Vinci surgical system. Though physicians lose their sense of touch with robotic controls, they learn to compensate with visual cues.
Despite the increasing popularity of robotic surgical systems, some researchers have questioned whether the outcomes of robotic surgery are better than conventional surgery — and, most importantly for cash-strapped hospitals, whether the outcomes justify the high cost. Marty Makary, MD, associate professor of surgery and public health at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said the widespread adoption of such systems symbolizes "everything that is wrong" with American healthcare.
Some studies have found the systems improve outcomes, especially in shorter hospital stays and less blood loss. Others suggest the systems provide no benefit compared to other types of surgery, or cause detrimental outcomes.
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According to the report, the da Vinci system is used in more than 1,100 hospitals in the United States. Many physicians tout the benefits of robotic surgical systems like the da Vinci system, saying the tool revolutionizes the way physicians perform surgery. Thomas Shultz, MD, an obstetrician affiliated with CoxHealth, said the instruments inside the patient are similar to having a wrist inside the patient's pelvis, giving the physician a degree of safety previously unattainable.
According to the report, the view of the patient is magnified up to 10 times through cameras with the da Vinci surgical system. Though physicians lose their sense of touch with robotic controls, they learn to compensate with visual cues.
Despite the increasing popularity of robotic surgical systems, some researchers have questioned whether the outcomes of robotic surgery are better than conventional surgery — and, most importantly for cash-strapped hospitals, whether the outcomes justify the high cost. Marty Makary, MD, associate professor of surgery and public health at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said the widespread adoption of such systems symbolizes "everything that is wrong" with American healthcare.
Some studies have found the systems improve outcomes, especially in shorter hospital stays and less blood loss. Others suggest the systems provide no benefit compared to other types of surgery, or cause detrimental outcomes.
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Report: Laparoscopic Device Market Seeing Strong Growth
Johnson & Johnson Device Exec Tapped to Head Boston Scientific
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