Many of the world’s top surgeons are learning first-hand what they can do with surgical robots — and it’s unlocking a new era in health care.

For a patient facing an operation, the thought of surgical robots might seem intimidating at first. But some of the world’s top surgeons count on this technology — and it’s making procedures much less invasive.

Surgical robotic systems are becoming more and more widely used to perform a range of surgeries, from prostate to colorectal to thoracic surgeries. This advanced technology has the potential to result in shorter hospital stays and decreased recovery time for patients, unlocking a new era in health care. 

Surgery Is Going Robotic

The use of robotic technology has some compelling benefits for both the surgeon and the patient when compared with traditional open surgery. For patients, robotic surgery can mean less blood loss, less pain, and a decreased risk of infection — all of which can make a full return to their normal routine easier.

Surgical robotic systems, such as the da Vinci surgical system, allow doctors to get the same job done with smaller incisions than what is traditionally required. These advanced systems use small instruments with a greater range of motion than human hands, to help doctors achieve high levels of precision and have easier access to the area being operated on. They’re also equipped with a high-definition camera that provides a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical site.

But it does take some time for surgeons to get comfortable using these tools, rather than their hands. Intuitive, the company behind the da Vinci surgical system, provides robust training so surgeons can get familiar with all facets of the system. 

How Doctors Learn to Use Surgical Robots 

Intuitive has been leading the charge in pairing human ingenuity with technology in the medical field since 1995. In addition to creating advanced robotic systems, the company provides rigorous training and surgeon-based proctoring programs for the surgeons who use them.

When Dr. Mary Maish took over thoracic surgery for a small town hospital, her goal was to revolutionize the kind of care that patients would receive. Implementing surgical robotic systems was key to making that a reality.

“The idea of bringing into my practice yet another surgical technique was exciting,” says Dr. Mary Maish, a surgeon at Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois. “But also, it’s a little scary because as surgeons we’re so routine with how we approach things.”

Intuitive’s training curriculum is designed to empower surgeons seeking to transition to robotic-assisted surgery. They’ve empowered Dr. Maish, and over 55,000 other surgeons across the world, to acquire the skills necessary to use robotic systems in the operating room.

Training consists of online learning materials, videos, and live case observations. Surgeons are also invited to practice on a simulator, which recreates a surgery setting in virtual reality. The simulator offers realistic exercises at varying degrees of difficulty so surgeons can practice procedure-specific skills.

At the console, a surgeon uses their hands and feet to manipulate the instruments, which are attached to a cart alongside the patient’s bed.

At the console, a surgeon uses their hands and feet to manipulate the instruments, which are attached to a cart alongside the patient’s bed. The goal is that by the time these surgeons use the system on a real patient, the inputs required at the console can seem almost second nature.

In addition to spending time in a simulated environment, robotic surgeons in training can also work in a training facility with a surgeon experienced using the da Vinci system, who coaches them on best practices. For continued learning, surgeons have the option to pair up with a mentor.

The key to a successful training outcome, according to Dr. Myriam Curet — chief medical officer at Intuitive — is commitment. “As a surgeon, you’re always learning and you’re always improving,” she says. “You have to be willing to practice, get that muscle memory. You have to be willing to learn from your peers.”

Today, Intuitive’s systems have assisted in more than 8.5 million cases. And while their robotic systems certainly deserve a great deal of credit, it’s the company’s ongoing emphasis on education and support for surgeons that makes it all possible.

Robotic surgery can mean less blood loss, less pain, and a decreased risk of infection — all of which can make a full return to normal routines easier.

Dr. Maish experienced all of this first-hand while caring for a patient named Sylvia Dunbeck. After Dunbeck’s initial laparoscopy for lung cancer, she was left with a lengthy recovery time, severe pain, and reluctance to continue on with her next surgery.

But for her second operation, Dr. Maish was able to put her recent training with Intuitive into practice. Using the da Vinci system, she had a greater level of precision and the patient was left with very little pain in comparison to the first operation.

“That gave me the encouragement to continue to march forward in my robotic platform,” Dr. Maish says. Before collaborating with Intuitive, Dr. Maish hadn’t used a surgical robot since medical school.

Patients always hope for fewer nights in the hospital and the ability for life to return to normal as quickly as possible. Surgical robotic systems, combined with trained and confident surgeons, are making this less of an idea and more a reality.