Da Vinci Robotic System Training

Our understanding of minimally invasive surgery is often limited to laparoscopic operations. We tend to miss out the fact that robotic surgeries are the second most commonly used form of minimally invasive surgeries. And robotic surgeries are undertaken by specialized surgeons, who along with having due training in minimally invasive processes are further specialized to undertake robotic surgery.

What are da Vinci surgeries?

Robotic minimally invasive surgeries are those in which the patient is operated using a programmed robot that performs surgeries. The da Vinci surgical equipment comprises of a computerized operating table that has several arms and utilizes a programmed monitor which is controlled by the surgeon. It is this da Vinci robot that is the heart of this technique. While Da Vinci operation is automation of minimally invasive processes, the time efficiency and accuracy of the approach has attracted more number of accomplished surgeons to take training in it.

The da Vinci Robotic System Training: How and When Is It Delivered?

The da Vinci robotic surgery is essentially a post graduate training for surgeons. Therefore, any surgeon who has a thorough idea of the minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures is entitled to be trained in da Vinci robotics. The equipment is essentially a combination of laparoscopic instruments and the da Vinci robotic system.

The surgery is usually conducted by the entire da Vinci surgeon's team and along with complete automation; manual effort goes into achieving desired outcomes of the surgery. Here are the details of the training that da Vinci surgeons undergo.

When a full-fledged surgeon opts to take part in a da Vinci robotic surgery training course, he or she goes through the following phases in training.

1. Apparatus Training: This module introduces the surgeons to the da Vinci robot and its various parts. While the system is easy to understand, surgeons need to remember which arm is for use in which specialized process and which laparoscopic instruments are compatible with a specific arm of the robot. As it is evident, two or more different laparoscopic tools may be compatible for us in an arm, thereby, allowing surgeons to create the right combination.
2. Technology Training: Since the entire process is computerized, understanding the technology and the software that runs it, is important for the team of surgeons. Technological aspects like controlling the arm movement, the speed of drill, tool clasp and other details are tutored in this module.
3. Case Series Plans (Initial): These involve training in initial set of case series where surgeries of short and medium durations are completed by the trainee surgeons using the instrument.
4. Case Series Plans (Specialized):This is either imparted during the training session or sought by the surgeon as a continual learning process at specific outlets wherein, further specialized uses of the Da Vinci robot is discussed.

Conclusion: 

The da Vinci robotic surgeries are best accomplished with a trained team of laparoscopy procedure surgeons. The various modules of their training are designed to help them achieve complete understanding of the da Vinci robot.

The main task of da Vinci robotic surgeons is to use the robotic surgical equipment towards the benefit of minimally invasive procedures. This article discusses the different phases of training that these surgeons go through before being certified as accomplished robotic surgeons and taking in real cases to the operating table.

In ninety-nine percent of the procedures, the efficiency and time-saving approach make the surgery a success, owing to such well-trained surgeons.