Residents in Colorado might be wary of surgeries involving robotic arms, but according to one doctor, an advantage to robotic surgeries is that doctors can make fewer incisions and perform more complex surgeries than they would be able to with their own hands. Moreover, using the arms is like using any other kind of surgical tool. Despite the recalls and controversies, one doctor is still positive about the new technology, saying that he will continue to use the robot in the operating room.
At least 245 adverse reports involving death or injury were submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2000 and 2012. After an FDA survey, 11 surgeons reported that there were instances where the arms hit each other, or they drifted away from the incision area. One recall involved almost 1,400 da Vinci Surgical robot arms, which were reportedly stalling due to friction in the arms, according to the manufacturing company. However, there has been no decrease in the number of robots ordered for hospitals.
Although robotic surgery might not seem like something patients would benefit from, it is proven to be a safe way of completing procedures. Even after the technology has been checked and checked again, there could still be unforeseen issues that have little to do with a major recall or a large safety issue that concerns robotic arms in general.
An attorney may help those who suffered injuries due to a medical procedure involving robotic arms. In order to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, individuals may need to keep all medical records about the procedure and any follow-up care that was received as a result of the injury. Compensation could be monetary or in the form of getting medical bills paid.
Source: Sioux City Journal, “Manufacturer, hospitals say robotic surgery is safe in spite of complications“, Dolly A. Butz, January 03, 2014