A recent report has focused on a Canadian patient whose life was saved by the famous Da Vinci surgical robot. This story emphasized the importance of robotic assistance in such cases, proving that robots are now becoming more present in surgeries to help save lives.
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Surgeons, doctors and nurses perform a four hours heart surgery on a ten-month-old child using a miniature specialised probe at the CHU (University Hospital Center) of Toulouse, southwestern France on November 22, 2022.
Da Vinci Surgical Robot Saves a Patient on Tumor Operation
Robots are becoming an increasingly common sight within surgical environments, playing a pivotal role in preserving human lives. According to Interesting Engineering, the Canadian patient found his lifeline through the renowned Da Vinci surgical robot.
This innovative technology, which resembles a giant spider with four arms, has successfully operated on the patient's tumor, a procedure no human doctor was willing to do.
Glenn Deir recounted how his inoperable tumor almost cost him his life, but the robot saved him. His story underscored the significance of this robotic assistance, serving as a testament to the life-saving potential of these mechanical systems.
The Da Vinci surgical robot not only tackled a medical challenge deemed insurmountable by human physicians but also became the savior that rescued Deir from the brink.
Deir recounted his medical history and said, "Sixteen years ago, I contracted cancer in the left tonsil thanks to the human papillomavirus. That's the same virus that causes cervical cancer. Most folks shed the HPV virus with no harm done, but I had crappy luck. The subsequent radiation had me retching into a toilet for weeks. I turned into an advocate for the HPV vaccine."
With no medical professional willing to undertake the operation, Deir's already dire circumstances took a further downward plunge. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when one of his physicians recommended exploring the expertise of a practitioner skilled in utilizing the Da Vinci robotic system.
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Life-Saving Moment
Despite the geographical separation, the opportunity was deemed valuable enough for Deir to bear the burdens of travel and expenses. Given the intricate and delicate nature of the necessary surgery involving the tonsil, tongue, and throat, Dr. Boyd Lee extended an offer.
He recommended connecting Deir with a surgeon based in Halifax, who had expertise in harnessing the capabilities of the Da Vinci robot. Unlike the absence of this advanced technology in Newfoundland and Labrador, Halifax boasted a unit of the Da Vinci, albeit at a substantial cost exceeding $8 million.
Deir stated via CBC that he saw this option as a lifeline and a chance for a life-saving intervention. Running out of options, he eventually consented to the robotic procedure. Despite the assistance of the Da Vinci system, the operation proved to be a tremendously complex undertaking.
The operation extended beyond 2½ hours, defying the expectations initially set by Dr. Martin Corsten. The effects of prior radiation treatment had left the tonsil notably rigid, posing unexpected challenges during its extraction.
Upon regaining consciousness post-surgery, Deir was confronted with the presence of a nasogastric feeding tube and a lengthy incision tracing his neck's entirety.
This aftermath rendered a physical semblance resembling a fusion between the Elephant Man and Frankenstein. However, Deir's surgery was reportedly successful, and he is now beginning to recover and learning to swallow and speak again.
Similarly, the research from scientists at University College London and the University of Sheffield reveals that robotic surgery offers enhanced safety and quicker patient recovery. The robotic systems empower surgeons to execute intricate procedures with heightened flexibility, precision, and command.
Related Article: New Research Shows Robotic Surgery Is A Lot Safer
