Doctors Advised Against Opting Robotic Surgeries for Uterus Removal

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has advised physicians against preferring robotic surgery than other alternative non-invasive procedures for hysterectomies. The statement was issued following a recent report that contained data indicating the complications involved with robotic surgery along with high costs. It was estimated in the report that the robotic surgeries increased the cost by nearly $2,189 for every procedure without any significant benefits.

Moreover, an increase in the number of adverse events following robotic surgeries has also been noted.

Surgical robots from the leading manufacturer, Intuitive, were in about 176,000 uterus removals in the U.S. in 2012. Intuitive’s extensive marketing strategy has managed to convince many women to opt for robotic surgical procedures.

"It is important to separate the marketing hype from the reality when considering the best surgical approach," says Dr. James Breeden, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

However, the company has defended that robots are extremely safe for the procedures.

Following the report, FDA has started enquiring doctors about the complications, training required and the procedures for which robots are best suited.

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Source-Medindia