The use of an increasingly popular surgical robot called da Vinci surgical system has become controversial among health expert. Additionally, there are many hospitals that failed to report the adverse events associated with da Vinci robotic surgery, according to online sources. It is believed that one of the many reasons is that patients are unaware of the potential health hazards after the surgery. The manufacturer, Intuitive Surgical, was unable to give sufficient reports, providing only the benefits and advantages of robotic surgery over traditional, and failed to report the potential side effects brought about by the use of their product.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has claimed to received vastly unreported deaths and injuries associated with medical device. There are researchers who have discovered another five incidences that never made it into FDA’s lists. An additional five mishaps might sound insignificant, but some suggest that the finding still underestimates the number of da Vinci incidents that have gone unmentioned: reports filed with the FDA are merely “the tip of the iceberg” where surgical complications are concerned.
Da Vinci is often used in surgical procedures such as prostate gland removal and hysterectomy, but is by no means independent. Robotic surgery is a type of procedure that is similar to laparoscopic surgery. It also can be performed through smaller surgical cuts than traditional open surgery. The small, precise movements that are possible with this type of surgery give it some advantages over standard endoscopic techniques. The da Vinci’s fourth arm contains a magnified high-definition 3-D camera that guides the surgeon during the procedure.
Although its manufacturer claimed da Vinci offers less post-operative complication, shorter hospital stay, and fast return to normal activities, we are aware that there is no guarantee in the field of medicine. However, the surgeon is required to undergo rigid training before operating the surgical robot. The course is designed to provide surgeons an initial skills training experience in robotic surgery skills, and to provide practicing surgeons a method of self-assessment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still advised patients to thoroughly discuss their surgical plans with their surgeon to avoid any future health troubles.
References:
- fiercehealthit.com/story/hospitals-often-dont-report-robotic-surgery-adverse-events/2014-01-02
- pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/11/mishaps-and-deaths-caused-by-surgical-robots-going-underreported-to-fda.html
- theverge.com/2013/9/10/4714850/robotic-surgery-mishaps-underreported-to-the-fda
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