Robotic Assisted Microsurgery (RAMS): Application in Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Surgical robotic technology is now on the cusp of revolutionizing microsurgical capabilities. With the latest advancements in the field of RAMS, the armamentarium available to the plastic surgeons will be greatly expanded. The advantages are self evident. The use of RAMS technology during microsurgery will greatly improve the microsurgical outcome by providing surgeons with greater precision, elimination of hand tremors, increased range of motion and enhanced 3-D visualization. With the continued evolution of robotic surgical technology the robots are expected to become smaller, faster, lighter and dexterous with exponentially increased application in micro-vascular surgery. The robots despite of technical advancements are never likely to replace the highly evolutionized human hand. The robots r ather than replacing the human hand will help to retain the benefits of the human hand along with its superlative optimization to achieve the goal of optimal precision and predictability. By combining the robotic technology with human skills, the RAMS system will allow the performance of more precise and more dexterous operations to the zenith. The present surgical training programmes must include some robotic training in their curriculum keeping in the mind its exploding potential and future use by the present and next generations of microsurgeons.