What are the Different Types of Robotic Surgery?

Robotic technology has revolutionised the healthcare industry in the past decade and is constantly evolving to meet the rising demand in the medical field. Robotic treatment is beneficial for both the patient and the surgeon. For patients, it results in faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. On the other hand, it reduces the strain on a surgeon, who can perform more complex procedures in a short period. In this blog, we will discuss in detail about different types of robotic surgery systems.

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery involves the use of robotic arms to perform surgery. The robotic arm is controlled by a trained surgeon with the help of an advanced computer. Also known as Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS), these surgeries are minimally invasive and copy the hand movements of the surgeon with higher precision. 

The robotic system comprises a robot, patient side-cart, and a console. It also comes equipped with an image screen, which provides real-time, three-dimensional view of the target area in high definition. A robotic arm can easily navigate in a small surgical field, unlike a human hand.

Types of Surgical Robots 

There are three types of robotic surgery systems depending on the level of involvement of the surgeon in the procedure:

Supervisory Controlled System

It is the most automated type of surgical system where the robot solely executes the surgery as per the input data provided by the surgeon before the procedure. The surgeon plans and supervises the procedure but does not execute it. 

Telesurgical /Remote surgery

In this type of surgery, the surgeon controls the motion of the robot. It comprises various components including a robotic arm, an imaging system and a console. The imaging system transmits high-definition real-time images of the surgical area to the surgeon’s console. The console lets the surgeon control the robotic arms which manipulate the surgical instruments in a small surgical area with much greater accuracy and precision than a human hand. The da Vinci surgical system is the most advanced and widely used telesurgical robotic surgery system. It is the best minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopy and open surgeries.

Shared Control System

This system has the highest involvement of the surgeon. The surgeon executes the procedure with the support of the robot which helps in providing stable manipulation of the instruments. 

Out of these three surgical systems, the Da Vinci telesurgical system has been the most successful. The other two systems have the potential for future application.

Types of Robotic Surgery 

Robotic surgeries are used in different medical specialisations such as urology, gynaecology, orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery, etc. Some of the common robotic surgeries performed using the da Vinci system are:

Robotic-assisted Laparoscopy

Earlier, surgeons used to perform laparoscopy with their hands using a 2D camera but now with the help of surgical robots, the same surgery is performed using a robotic arm with superior precision and better results. The robotic arm is controlled by the surgeon, and enters the body via a small incision.

Single-incision Robotic Surgery

In this type of surgery, only a single incision is made through the belly button of the patient causing minimal scarring. Multiple robotic instruments can be used through this incision.This type of surgery is most commonly used to remove the gallbladder. . 

Robotic Cardiac Surgery

The success rate of a robotic cardiac surgery is higher than that of an open heart surgery. A robotic surgery is performed through small incisions made in the chest. Small incisions mean less blood loss, faster healing and reduced chances of infection. Some common robotic cardiac surgeries are valve repair surgery, coronary artery bypass, cardiac tissue ablation, heart defect repair, etc.

Gynecologic Robotic Surgery

Gynecologic robotic surgeries use miniature wristed tools to operate in a narrow space. These tools are extensions of the surgeon’s hand and translate it into micro-movements with greater precision. These surgeries are used effectively for treating endometriosis, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, etc. 

Cost of Robotic Surgery in India

Robotic surgery cost in India depends on the types of robots used in surgery and the complexity of the procedure, and the expertise of the surgeon . Robotic surgeries  are usually more expensive than traditional methods, owing to the use of advanced technology. In India, a basic robotic surgery may start from ₹ 1.5 lakhs. On the other hand, the cost of a complicated surgery may go beyond ₹ 10 lakhs, depending on the location and the hospital. For instance, a robotic-assisted laparoscopy will be much cheaper compared to robotic cardiac surgery. The cost of these treatments varies depending on the city of the treatment as the cost is lower in tier-2 cities.

Is Robotic Surgery Covered under Health Insurance?

As per IRDAI regulation in 2019, all health insurance companies are required to cover robotic surgeries as modern treatments. However, it is crucial to understand the inclusions and exclusions and terms and conditions of a health insurance plan before making the final decision. Given below are some conditions that have to be fulfilled for robotic surgery cover:

1. Robotic surgeries are covered only if recommended by an expert robotic surgeon. 
2. The coverage also depends on the disease for which robotic surgery is required.
3. If the patient has an underlying condition that requires robotic surgery, the waiting periods will be applicable as specified in the best health insurance plan ranging from 1 to 4 years. 
4. The coverage is offered subject to sub-limits specified in the plan.

In a Nutshell

Robotic surgery has changed the way surgeries are performed all over the world. The high precision and flexibility offered by a robot have made it easier to perform complex procedures in a short time with better results.At Care Health Insurance, we offer surgery health insurance a robust insurance policy that  provides coverage for robotic surgeries under its ‘Advance Technology Method’ coverage for hospitalisation expenses. You can reach out to our experts to know more about policy benefits and scope of coverage.  

>> Also Read: What Type of Surgeries Does Health Insurance Cover?

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.