Jan 20 2011
Researchers at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, have reported that robotic procedures radically enhance results in cervical, uterine and endometrial cancer patients.
In addition, robot-assisted procedures involve reduced complications, shorter stay in hospital and less cost factor for the patients. The outcomes of the study were published in the Journal of Robotic Surgery and the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer.
Till date, acceptance of robotic procedures was restricted by fears of overall cost factor. Also, none of the provincial healthcare plans in Canada covered the expenses involved.
Dr. Walter H. Gotlieb, Head of Gynecologic Oncology at the JGH Segal Cancer Centre, has stated that patients are certainly benefited by the robotic procedure and he added that most of their patients require nothing powerful than Tylenol following the surgery.
During robotic surgery, the surgeon does not operate directly on the patient. Instead he sits at a console and operates using several robotic arms. Unlike laparoscopy, robotic surgery is minimally-invasive.
According to Dr. Gotlieb, Director of Surgical Oncology at McGill University, a recent study has mentioned that only 6% of gynecologic oncology physicians suggest laparoscopy to their patients with endometrial cancer, in spite of its well-determined benefits. He mentioned at the Jewish General Hospital, 95% of their endometrial cancer patients benefited from minimally invasive surgery using robot-assisted surgery in contrast to 15% of patients who benefited by laparoscopy.
In addition, contrary to the prediction made by Isaac Asimov and several science fiction writers that people would response with hatred and panic to robots, patients including elderly ones are the best supporters of robot-assisted procedures.
Source: http://www.ladydavis.ca