HACKENSACK, N.J. (PIX11) -- Robotic surgery was once thought to be a futuristic idea whose time may never come.
Robotic surgery is being used in many types of operations. Modern-day surgeons are now sitting behind computerized consoles while robots do the work at the operating table. Hackensack University Hospital in New Jersey is one of a few hospitals in our area where robots work overtime.
“This specific technology is allowing us to do surgery as we never could do for,” the hospital's Director of Robotic Surgery, Dr. Michael Stifelman, claimed.
What once was science fiction is now a reality in hospital operating rooms nationwide. Robots are replacing surgeons' human hands.
“Surgeons no longer stand by the patient but sits at a console using robotics,” according to Stifelman.
A leader in the use of robotics, Hackensack University Medical Center has committed 25% of its operating rooms to use advanced technology.
It recently invited some 200 medical community members to learn about and see firsthand the latest advances in surgical robots. It was somewhat of a medical show and tell.
The Ion Robot is a minimally invasive tool that helps doctors identify lung cancers earlier and more accurately. It’s like a medical GPS.
“It allows us to move a camera out to locate a nodule to determine whether or not to biopsy it. We used to have to do open procedures to find these modules or different types of biopsies that were not very successful,” Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Daniel Monsour explained.
The Da Vinci Surgical Robot is a four-armed system that integrates advanced computer technology with the experience of skilled surgeons who can manipulate special instruments that are smaller and more flexible than the human hand.
The visiting physicians were allowed to try out the technology firsthand.
“It’s a surgery simulator," informs Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Ryan Moore. "Doctors use their hands to manipulate robotic arms. It’s basically a video game here that allows them to test their skills.”
In the actual operating room, the DaVinci robot works wonders.
“This allows us to see everything inside the body ten times magnified with much more precision. Any tremor a person has, it gets rid of,” OB.GYN Robotic Surgeon Dr. Marie Keachong explained.
Stifelman said there are many benefits of robotic surgery.
“It’s making surgery less invasive, less blood loss, less pain, less trauma, and getting the patient home earlier,” according to Stifelman.
Just weeks after she returned home after giving birth to a daughter, Tara Neves needed gallbladder surgery by robots. She said she was a nervous wreck being a new Mom going for robotic surgery. But she was pleased with the outcome.
“My surgery was smooth. I was home the next day, climbing up and down stairs. I was changing diapers. I was doing everything a new mom does,” Neves said.
The overall use of robotic surgery has grown significantly over the past 25 years, but not every hospital is willing to invest in the costly technology. Hackensack University Medical Center has trained surgeons worldwide on how to use robotic tools.
As advanced as this technology is, what else might the future hold?
Stifelman, who heads the hospital's robotic surgery program, ponders what might be ahead.
“Potentially in my lifetime to do surgery without a surgeon, and that would be pretty cool,” he projected, with a smile of skepticism.
The robotic team at Hackensack University Medical Center has performed 25,000 robotic procedures in recent years, more than most other hospitals in the nation.
Further evidence that the future is now is that AI, artificial intelligence, is being used to screen for certain forms of cancer. They're all incredible medical advances that doctors said should extend our lives for years to come.
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