In today’s era of breast surgery, the goal is to achieve functional breasts following cancer treatment. The degree of functionality depends on how much of the original skin and nipple can be preserved after cancer removal. This is accomplished through surgical techniques known as Skin Sparing or Nipple Sparing resections, which may involve either the complete or partial removal of breast tissue with sufficient margins. A significant number of breast cancer patients are now candidates for these procedures.
What is Robotic Breast Surgery?
Robotic breast surgery is a minimally invasive technique that leverages robotic technology to perform breast surgery with enhanced precision and control. This method involves a robotic system, operated by a surgeon, to assist in removing breast tumors or reconstructing the breast. Benefits of this approach include smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and potentially quicker recovery times.
Patient Eligibility
Many breast cancer patients are eligible for Skin Sparing (SSM) and Nipple Sparing (NSM) resections, which provide comparable cancer control to traditional radical mastectomy. This surgery is suitable for:
- Early-stage breast cancer patients with tumors approximately 5 cm in size, where cancer has not invaded the overlying skin or muscle.
- Advanced breast cancer patients receiving Neo-Adjuvant Systemic Therapy, which may include a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Those who respond well to Neo-Adjuvant treatment may qualify for SSM or NSM.
Robotic assistance enhances outcomes and preserves breast functionality during SSM and NSM procedures.
How Does the Robotic System Operate?
Our advanced robotic technology enhances surgical precision through a unique set of robotic arms under the guidance of experienced surgeons. This AI-driven, fourth-generation technology helps:
- Conduct procedures with expert supervision.
- Achieve precise cutting and milling.
- Improve clinical efficiency and accuracy.
- Minimize the need for repeat surgeries.
- Avoid complications in sensitive areas like the breast.
Key Features of the Robotic System
- Camera arm and four mechanical arms equipped with fine surgical instruments.
- Surgical console for accurate control.
- High-definition, 3D visualization of the surgical site.
- Surgeon-controlled robotic arms with wristed articulation.
- Intelligent feedback for optimized surgical movements.
- Fourth-generation robotic instruments for seamless multi-port procedures.
- Universal arm design for versatile endoscope insertion.
- Extended instruments and slimmer arms for enhanced precision and reduced risk of collision in delicate areas.
How is Robotic Breast Surgery Performed?
The Procedure:
Robotic-assisted Oncoplastic Breast Preservation surgery is increasingly utilized due to its quicker recovery and greater precision.
Planning:
Treatment plans will be developed based on initial scans and evaluations. Oncoplastic Breast Preservation can be approached in two ways:
- Volume Displacement: Reshaping and realigning breast tissue to create a neo-breast.
- Volume Replacement: Harvesting tissue from the body to fill defects from complete or partial mastectomy. The Latissimus Dorsi flap is often harvested from the lateral and posterior back area, requiring a long incision and repositioning of the patient.
Once the treatment approach is determined, it will be communicated to the patient, and the surgery will be prepared.
Execution:
The patient is synchronized with the robotic system and stabilized for surgery. Surgical ports are introduced, providing a 3D view for the surgeon’s console. Surgeons perform the procedure while the AI replicates their movements, continuously assisting in making accurate cuts with the robotic arm.
Advantages of Robotic Breast Surgery
According to Dr. Toesca from Milan, a leading expert in robotic breast surgery, using robotic assistance for Skin Sparing and Nipple Sparing procedures offers significant medical benefits:
- Robotic arms provide improved access to angles that are challenging to reach with traditional methods.
- Enhanced vision allows for precision dissection using the 3D imaging console.
- Incisions can be strategically placed in skin folds, such as the axilla or inferior mammary area, leading to superior aesthetics compared to conventional skin-sparing procedures.
- Skin flap vascularity is better preserved by minimizing countertraction and optimizing incision placement.
Why Surgeons Prefer Robotic Surgeries
A robotic system is fully automated and active, providing numerous advantages for both surgeons and patients. Given the delicacy of breast surgery, robotic assistance enhances clinical outcomes, including:
- Accessing the thorax through the axilla, avoiding incisions and scars on the back, and eliminating the need for repositioning.
- A 3D, magnified view improves ergonomics and access, simplifying the surgical process.
- Robotic assistance can reduce surgical time and eliminate common posterior thoracic scars associated with traditional techniques.
- The robot-assisted Latissimus Dorsi flap is safer and more effective, offering precise dissection and refined aesthetics.
Why Choose Us?
Yupiter Hospital employs state-of-the-art surgical techniques to enhance your quality of life. Our surgeons conduct essential procedures with improved ease, flexibility, accuracy, and precision, thanks to the latest technological advancements, ensuring optimal clinical outcomes.
Highlights of Robotic Surgery
- Multidisciplinary team approach
- Innovation-driven healthcare solutions
- Fast and comprehensive recovery
- World-class physiotherapy support
- Comprehensive rehabilitation support post-surgery when necessary
