In today’s landscape of breast surgery, preserving the functionality of the breast after cancer treatment is paramount. The extent to which the original skin and nipple can be retained after cancer removal significantly impacts this functionality. The surgical techniques known as Skin Sparing and Nipple Sparing resections allow for either the complete removal of the breast or the partial excision of malignant tissue while maintaining adequate margins. A growing number of breast cancer patients are now candidates for these innovative procedures.
What is Robotic Breast Surgery?
Robotic breast surgery is a minimally invasive technique that utilizes advanced robotic technology to enhance precision and control during breast procedures. This method involves a robotic system, managed by a surgeon, to assist in the removal of breast tumors or in breast reconstruction efforts. Benefits of this approach include smaller incisions, less scarring, and potentially quicker recovery times.
Skin Sparing (SSM) and Nipple Sparing (NSM) resections offer cancer control comparable to that of radical mastectomy, making them suitable for various patient groups:
- Early Stage Patients: Those with tumors approximately 5 cm in size that have not spread to the skin or muscle.
- Advanced Breast Cancer Patients: Individuals undergoing Neo-Adjuvant Systemic Therapy, which may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Patients who respond positively to this treatment may qualify for SSM/NSM.
Robotic assistance can further enhance results and maintain breast functionality during SSM and NSM procedures.
How Does the Robotic System Work?
Our advanced robotic technology increases surgical precision with a unique set of robotic arms, all overseen by expert surgeons. This AI-powered fourth-generation technology allows us to:
- Conduct procedures under skilled supervision.
- Achieve precise cutting and milling.
- Improve clinical efficiency with exceptional accuracy.
- Minimize the need for repeat surgeries.
- Mitigate complications associated with delicate areas, such as the breast.
Key Features of the Robotic System:
- A camera arm and four mechanical arms equipped with fine surgical instruments.
- A surgical console for precise control.
- High-definition, 3D visualization of the surgical site.
- Surgeon-controlled robotic arms with wristed articulation for enhanced maneuverability.
- Intelligent feedback for optimized surgical movements.
- Fourth-generation robotic arms that facilitate seamless multi-port procedures.
- Universal arm design for flexible endoscope insertion.
- Longer instruments and thinner arms to increase precision and reduce the risk of collision in sensitive areas.
Robotic Breast Surgery Procedure
The Procedure: Robotic technology is increasingly employed for the highly precise surgery of breast reconstruction, known as Oncoplastic Breast Preservation, due to its advantages in recovery and precision.
The Planning: The treatment approach is developed based on scans and initial assessments. Oncoplastic Breast Preservation can be performed through two methods:
- Volume Displacement: Reshaping and realigning breast tissue to form a neo-breast.
- Volume Replacement: Harvesting tissues from the body to fill defects caused by complete or partial mastectomy. This typically involves using a Latissimus Dorsi (LD) flap harvested from the lateral and posterior back area. This requires a long incision on the back and may necessitate repositioning and redraping of the patient.
Once the approach is determined, the procedure is communicated to the patient, and surgical preparations are made.
The Execution: The patient is synced with the robotic system and positioned for surgery. Surgical ports are introduced, providing a 3D view for the surgeon at the console. The surgeons perform the procedure while the AI replicates their movements in real-time, continuously monitoring and assisting with precise cuts.
Advantages of Robotic Breast Surgery
According to Dr. Toesca from Milan, a leading robotic breast surgeon, robotic assistance in performing Skin Sparing and Nipple Sparing procedures provides significant medical benefits:
- Robotic arms allow for better access at angles that are difficult to achieve with traditional retractors.
- Enhanced vision leads to precision dissection through the 3D image console.
- Incision placement in skin creases, such as the axillary (lateral) or inferior mammary areas, yields superior aesthetic outcomes compared to conventional skin-sparing techniques.
- The vascularity of the skin flap is better preserved, minimizing counter traction and ensuring meticulous incision planning.
Why Surgeons Prefer Robotic Surgeries
Robotic systems represent fully automated, active technologies that offer numerous advantages for both surgeons and patients. Given the delicate nature of breast surgery, robotic assistance can significantly enhance clinical outcomes, including:
- Access to the thorax via the axilla, avoiding incisions and scars on the back, thus eliminating the need for repositioning and redraping as seen in traditional methods.
- A 3D magnified view ensures improved ergonomics and better access to the thorax, simplifying the surgical procedure.
- Robotic assistance can reduce surgical time by half and eliminate the common occurrence of posterolateral thoracic scars associated with traditional approaches.
- Robot-assisted LD flap procedures are safer and more effective, providing precise dissection and refined aesthetics.
Why Choose Yupiter Hospital?
At Yupiter Hospital, we employ state-of-the-art surgical techniques to enhance your quality of life. Our surgeons can perform essential procedures with greater ease, flexibility, accuracy, and precision, thanks to the latest advancements in technology, ensuring optimal clinical results.
Highlights of Robotic Surgery:
- A multidisciplinary team approach.
- Innovative healthcare solutions.
- Rapid and comprehensive recovery.
- World-class physiotherapy support.
- Comprehensive rehabilitation assistance post-surgery, as needed.
