The surgeon guides the robot during surgery in the same way, as a pilot would fly a plane using modern computer technology.

Robotic Surgery is becoming popular by the day and is of immense help to surgeons worldwide.

Dr Arvind Goyal, Assistant Professor of Urology at DMCH, who recently visited the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at New York, USA said he was very impressed by the results of the operation performed for prostate cancer using robots.

“Prostate cancer is being diagnosed at an early stage due to aggressive screening. Resultantly, the patient gets almost complete cure for the disease,” he said.

According to Dr Arvind Goyal, Robotic Surgical System is a computer-enhanced minimally invasive surgical system.

“Robotic arms replace the surgeon’s natural hand and wrist movements into corresponding, precise and scaled movements.

Instruments are only able to move when commanded by the surgeon. The extensive range of motion allows precision that is not available in standard minimally invasive procedures.

The system allows for 10-fold magnification and 3-dimensional visualisation of the operative field. The system aids the surgeon in easily identifying vital anatomy such as the delicate nerves and blood vessels surrounding the prostate,” he explained.

He added that small robotic arms work inside the body of the patient doing intricate surgical steps to give precisely the best results. The arms work more efficiently at places where it is not easy for the surgeon to operate during an open surgery.

The minimal complication rate and quick recovery are added advantages. This technique is also being used for kidney surgery and other surgical procedures, he said.