Facts about Robot-Assisted Surgery (RAS)

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) is the performance of a surgical procedure with the aid of a robotic assistance system. In the field of abdominal and pelvic surgery, this is a platform that enables high-precision work via minimal access routes (laparoscopy, so-called "keyhole surgery"). The surgical instruments are precisely guided by robotic arms, which are controlled by the surgeon from a console.

Although RAS has been performed for about two decades, it has not been until recently that it has been widely established and regarded a surgical standard in many institutions.

Surgeons especially appreciate enhanced 3-D vision, surgical precision, intuitive dexterity and articulation of surgical instruments in comparison to classical laparoscopy.

In skilled hand, RAS allows surgeons to perform even highly complex surgical procedures using a minimally invasive approach. Several studies have shown that the introduction of this technique has significantly reduced the rate of open operations (laparotomies) required. Open surgery is associated with higher average complication rates, more blood loss, more postoperative pain and longer hospital stays and convalescence times. Hence, the avoidance of laparotomies is highly desirable.

Taken together, the ability to perform high precision surgery by minimal invasive access under avoidance of open surgery characterizes this technology.

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