Historical Development of Robotic Surgery - Essay Example

The first surgical robot that was approved by FDA was ROBODOC. The process of research and development still continues in the present times (Valero et al, 2011, pp.2-3).
In the context of the technology, studies reveal that the use of surgical remote robots enables the need for a lesser number of surgeons and medical professionals in the conduct of any surgery. Thus surgeries may be able to be performed from remote locations as well. Doctors will only need to learn to handle the arms of the robots through computerized systems. This might also lower the costs of the surgeries. Moreover, the technique provides the improved capability of precision and the patients are also less traumatized by this process (Bonsor & Strickland, 2012). Thus it can be said that remote-robotic surgeries have certain advantages over conventional surgery methods.

Patients may get attached to robots, the withdrawal of which might affect the patients. The feelings or emotions of the patients would not be able to be judged by the robots. The robots would not be able to handle a patient if he is angry and does not cooperate with the treatment or medication. When called by several users, the robots may not be able to decide on prioritizing the necessity of the calls (Lin, Abney & Bekey, 2012, pp.22-23). Thus it can be understood that a robot cannot be depended on completely for the process of surgery or treatment. Being so, the use of robots in medical practice cannot be considered as morally and ethically correct.

Considering the levels of patient satisfaction, the political influences reflect on the process of remote-robotic surgery getting more improved and accepted in the medical practices, with the advantages being focused on (Gun Control, 2012). The legal issues include the cost of the robotic technology which may not be affordable at all medical units. This reflects the chances of errors in the system where the hospitals would be made responsible. Moreover, doctors would have to be highly educated in order to make the correct use of the robotic mechanisms from remote places (Sweeney, 2011).

From the above study, it can be concluded that remote robotic surgery having several advantages might prove to be highly supportive in surgeries. However, the political, legal, moral and ethical implications need to be considered too such that the method does not harm the patients or hospitals or medical practices in general.