Robotic surgery is one of the most advanced technologies in medical field due to its accuracy and efficiency. In Singapore, the public is still concern about the safety and reliability of robotic surgery and whether it should be carried out in surgeries or not has not determined yet. In roundtable discussions, an issue on robotic surgery concerned with safety and reliability features, cost effects was discussed among a doctor, engineer and the public.
In the discussion, the public mentioned about how important the safety and reliability of robots. As surgeries are concerned with human lives, no mistakes or technical errors are allowed. For example, there is a technical error during a surgery, how would the operation go on? The doctor said that there will be a surgeon who will control the operation of robots and also an engineer for technical support. Moreover, there will also be traditional operation equipment for back up if any accident happens. So, robotic surgery will be an operation with fully safety features.
Then, the public came up with an issue regarding to the cost of operation. This kind of surgery is only afforded by well-developed countries and as for third world countries; cost factor is really a big barrier to public. Even in Singapore, a developed country, low income families and senior citizens will be worried about the cost of surgery if they need to go for it unless there is a subsidized by the government. The public will still prefer the traditional method of operation as it is cheaper and more reliable compared to that of robotic surgery.
Regarding to two cases above, in my opinion, I think that the idea of having a well-trained surgeon who will control the performance of surgery in the operation theatre is good. However, the fact that the engineer must also be present there is not very convenient as the hospital not only has to invest on those robots but also on engineers .Moreover, improvements on the features of safety so that it will become more reliable to public. Concerned with cost factor, it is worth to pay for it if this kind of surgery is really efficient and benefits to the patients. Subsidized plans and loan plans should also be introduced to those who are not affordable to go for this surgery.
There are a number of successful stories on robotic surgeries in western countries. This surgery is in fact a great improvement in medical field as it can blood loss, provide more accuracy and save time. Further research and modification on the current robotic surgery system should give a solution to the public concern on safety features. With improvements on the system, robotic surgery has a bright way ahead.
(M.K.Z.L)
1 comment:
Khine clearly point out main factors which the public are concerned -- safety, reliability and cost.
Regarding to the safety and reliability factors, in order to eliminate the public’ worries and provide an operation with fully safety features, besides requiring the machine accurate, there were not only a surgeon who standby during the operation, also an engineer for technical support.
To such a high technology, financial issue was came up with. For the high operation fee, only the government have subsidized plans or loan plans to support low income families and senior citizens; otherwise, the public will choose the traditional method of operation rather than the robotic surgery.
To conclude, Khine correctly point out that the current robotic surgery system should give solution to the public concern on safety features. Only solving this problem, the robotic surgery development could be going on.
by yijing
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