The M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute has integrated robot-assisted surgery, one of the most cutting-edge practices in contemporary medical science. Such systems are currently in use at only three medical facilities across Russia. The robotic unit, sourced from China, has been operational at MONIKI since the start of the year.
Thus far, this advanced technological assistant has been instrumental in more than a dozen intricate surgical procedures. These mainly encompass oncological urology interventions, where exceptional precision and minimized invasiveness are paramount. For instance, one patient benefited from kidney preservation, with only the tumor-affected section of the organ being excised. Another underwent a complete prostatectomy, while preserving functions crucial for quality of life.
The robotic apparatus is prepared for the procedure concurrently with the patient’s own preparations. Specialized ports are inserted into the abdominal cavity to introduce optics and manipulators. The robot’s automated “arms” secure the surgical instruments and execute movements with millimeter precision. The mechanism’s dexterity vastly surpasses that of the human wrist.
The surgeon directs the entire operation from a separate console, utilizing joysticks and foot pedals. All motions are instantly relayed to the manipulators, and the three-dimensional rendering of the surgical field enables the physician to observe even the minutest details, thereby drastically lowering the chance of error. Operations are conducted in near-total darkness; the primary lighting is deactivated to lessen eye strain when viewing the 3D imagery.
MONIKI is currently conducting approximately two such surgeries daily. According to Alexey Podoitsynitsyn, head of the urology department, there are plans to utilize the robot in abdominal and thoracoabdominal oncology in the future, for procedures involving organs in the chest and abdominal cavities. Certain surgeries can extend up to six hours and demand peak focus, yet the robot relieves the surgeon of considerable physical demands.
Patients also experience tangible benefits. Robot-assisted interventions are characterized by minimal tissue damage, virtually eliminating severe post-operative pain, and significantly accelerating recovery timelines. The Institute highlights that the adoption of such technologies not only broadens surgical capabilities but also substantially elevates the standard of healthcare provided, as reported by “MIR 24.”
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