As a general rule, surgeries performed with the help of robots are more technically difficult than those done through either large or small incisions. However, robotic surgeries generally allow for better long- and short-term outcomes for patients in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Some of the benefits include less pain, shorter recovery time and a decreased chance of getting an infection. It may also be possible to limit the amount of disfigurement a person will experience.
It is important that whoever does the surgery has plenty of experience as a medical professional as well as with the tools used to perform it. Ideally, a surgeon will go through a strenuous training program that includes a residency and a fellowship. It is also important to perform surgeries on a regular basis as it allows a person to both retain and improve his or her skills.
This is generally true regardless of the technique a surgeon is going to use on a given patient. Typically, surgeons who have a high level of experience are less likely to make an error during a procedure. Therefore, it is important for a patient to ask about a surgeon’s history prior to approving a robotic surgery. Patients should ask about a surgeon’s complication rate, number of surgeries performed and what type of training he or she has received.
If a surgeon makes a mistake during a procedure, it could be considered medical malpractice. However, this depends on whether the mistake could have been avoided. For instance, if an error was caused by a patient’s failure to provide a full medical history, it may not be the surgeon’s fault. An attorney may review a case to determine if an individual was the victim of negligence and potentially entitled to a financial award.