Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Cancer with Robotic Surgery

Introduction

Technological advancements in cancer treatment have led to significant progress in improving patients' quality of life and treatment success rates. One of these developments is robotic surgery. Especially in the treatment of abdominal cancers, robotic surgery offers a minimally invasive approach that results in less trauma and a faster recovery process compared to traditional open surgery.

This article will detail the advantages, disadvantages, and application areas of robotic surgery for abdominal cancers.

Abdominal Cancers and Treatment Options

Abdominal cancers are types of cancer that affect the digestive system and the organs within the abdominal cavity. The main types of abdominal cancers are:

• Stomach cancer

• Colorectal (colon and rectum) cancers

• Pancreatic cancer

• Liver cancer

• Gallbladder and bile duct cancers

• Kidney and adrenal gland cancers

These types of cancers are generally treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, surgical intervention is considered one of the most effective treatment methods. Robotic surgery is seen as a new revolution in the treatment of these diseases.

Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery involves minimally invasive operations performed via advanced technology platforms like the da Vinci Surgical System. The main components of this system are:

• Surgeon Console: The surgeon sits at this console and guides the robotic arms.

• Robotic Arms: These enter through small incisions and operate with high precision in the surgical field.

• 3D High-Definition Camera: Provides the surgeon with a magnified and clear view of the surgical area.

• Delicate Instruments: Operations are performed with instruments that have more precise movement capabilities than the human hand.

The Use of Robotic Surgery in Abdominal Cancers

1. Stomach Cancer

In stomach cancer surgery, robotic systems offer the ability to perform the removal of stomach tumors (gastrectomy) more precisely and safely. The advantages of robotic surgery are:

• Less blood loss

• A faster recovery process

• Lower risk of complications

• Minimal scarring due to smaller incisions

2. Colorectal Cancers

For colon and rectal cancers, robotic surgery provides a significant advantage, especially in rectal operations. The 360-degree range of motion offered by robotic surgery makes a big difference in areas that are difficult to reach with traditional methods.

Advantages of robotic colorectal surgery:

• Better nerve preservation (which protects urinary and sexual functions)

• Lower risk of bowel leakage

• Faster return of bowel function

3. Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages and is a complex disease requiring surgical intervention. Robotic surgery allows for major surgeries, such as the Whipple procedure, to be performed with fewer complications.

Advantages of robotic pancreatic surgery:

• Less pain and a lower risk of infection

• A faster discharge time

• A clearer view and precise tissue preservation

4. Liver Cancer

In liver cancer, robotic surgery can aid in the removal of tumors and liver transplant operations. The minimally invasive nature of this method allows patients to recover more quickly.

5. Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancers

Robotic surgery offers great ease in the surgical removal of cancers in the bile ducts. Precise dissection and suturing techniques can be performed in small areas.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery

• Less Blood Loss Since the surgery is performed with small incisions, blood loss during the operation is minimal.

• Faster Recovery Process Patients are discharged from the hospital more quickly compared to traditional open surgeries.

• Less Pain and Infection Risk Post-operative pain is felt less due to minimally invasive techniques.

• Precision and Flexibility The superior range of motion offered by robotic systems allows for more precise operations than the human hand.

• Smaller Incisions and Less Scarring This provides a more aesthetically pleasing result compared to traditional open surgery.

• Lower Risk of Complications The risk of nerve and vascular damage is lower.

Disadvantages of Robotic Surgery

• High Cost Robotic surgical systems are expensive, which can be a financial burden for hospitals.

• Training and Experience Requirement Surgeons must receive special training to be able to use robotic systems.

• Longer Operation Times In some cases, robotic surgeries may take longer compared to open surgeries.

• Technological Dependency Technical malfunctions in robotic systems can cause delays during the operation.

The Future of Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery technology continues to advance every day. In the future, innovations such as AI-supported robotic surgeries, autonomous surgical systems, and remotely controlled operations are expected to be used in this field. These developments could increase surgical success rates in cancer treatment and prolong patients' lives.

Conclusion

Robotic surgery offers significant advantages in the treatment of abdominal cancers, such as precision, safety, and a fast recovery process. Its use is becoming increasingly widespread, especially in challenging surgeries for stomach, bowel, pancreatic, and liver cancers. However, due to high costs and technical requirements, it is not yet widely available in every hospital.

With future technological advancements, robotic surgery is expected to become more accessible, and this method may become a standard for cancer treatment. Thanks to the comfort and effectiveness offered by minimally invasive surgery, it will be possible to achieve better outcomes for patients.