Robot-Assisted Nursing Care

The Use of Robots in Healthcare The healthcare field has seen dramatic changes in terms of technological advances and developments associated with robot-assisted surgical procedures. Within the past fourteen years, over one million robot-assisted surgical procedures were performed in the United States across various surgical specialties. (Alemzadeh, Raman, Leveson, Kalbarczyk, Iyer, 2016) Many people argue whether robot-assisted surgical procedures are a valuable asset in healthcare. In this essay, the author will argue that robot-assisted procedures are a valuable asset in healthcare because for the patient, there is typically less blood loss, a shorter length of hospitalization, and a decrease use of postoperative pain medications.
How do Robot-Assisted Surgical Procedures Work? Currently the only surgical robot approved by the Unites States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci, used for procedures such as, gynecologic, general, and cardiothoracic procedures (Alemzadeh et

Due to high definition cameras and a magnified three-dimensional view, the surgeon has better visibility on blood vessels compared to open and laparoscopic procedures. (Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital, 2016) The high quality of visualization and the precise movements of the robotic arms, gives the surgeon an increased control of blood vessels and is more able to bypass injuries and damage to the blood vessels. According to Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital (2016), “A better view of the surgical field is also provided by the inflation of the abdomen with gas (usually they use carbon dioxide).” The gas pressure compresses the blood vessels, causing a decrease in blood loss. With a decrease in blood loss, robot-assisted procedures lower the risks of infections and further complications and lowers the need for blood