Overview of general advantages, limitations, and strategies

Abstract

From mechanical advantages such as enhanced 3D stereoscopic vision, enhanced articulating wrists, white and fluorescent lighting, and telesurgery and simulation systems to clinical advantages such as smaller incisions, less blood loss, reduction in pain, and decreased morbidity and mortality outcomes leading to reduced hospital stay, robotics has transformed general surgery and created surgical challenges to upgrade technical skills beyond laparoscopy. If the major cost limitation can be hurdled, minor limitations such as reduced haptic feedback can be overcome with a faux tactile sensation with time spent on the robotic console. This overview spans advantages, limitations, strategies, and the future of robotics. The digital platform provides infinite opportunities for learning, a higher quality surgeon, and may make surgery safer, better, faster, and ultimately cheaper.