Surgery can be a sensitive subject that many people feel uncomfortable talking about or even thinking about. However, most of us will experience surgery at some point in our lives, either directly or indirectly, so it’s important to stay abreast of the latest developments.
In this article, we look at three ways in which surgery is being made safer and discuss how technological developments are helping to improve patient welfare and outcomes. Read on to find out more.
Improved Surgical Instruments
Surgical tools have been used for thousands of years to perform procedures and help people. Scalpels, scissors, forceps, saws, drills; surgeons have a huge range of different instruments at their disposal, many of which are highly specialised and designed to perform specific functions.
In the past, medical instruments were large, clunky, and made of metal. This made them difficult to operate with any high level of accuracy and, what’s more, were more likely to cause trauma and discomfort for the patient.
Today, surgical tools are expertly designed with a focus on ergonomics. This means that they are much easier to use, which benefits both surgeon and patient. For example, the innovative surgical retractors from June Medical are self-retaining, meaning they do not need an assistant to operate. They’re also made of medical-grade, single-use plastic, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
AI Technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is changing the world as we know it. Various industries are adopting AI tools into their processes, such as marketing, education, and, of course, the healthcare industry.
AI is expected to significantly improve surgery practices, making operations safer and more efficient. AI will be able to perform automated patient background checks, assessing compatibility and eligibility for specific procedures and medications. This will mean hospital staff will have more time to focus on other things and will also reduce the risk of human error, which can have catastrophic consequences but is, unfortunately, becoming increasingly common as a result of overworked medical professionals.
Robotics
Surgery is complex and difficult. It requires an enormous amount of skill, knowledge, accuracy, and dexterity. This is why only a select number of people can become successful surgeons and why they are regarded highly in the medical field and beyond.
Robotics is a relatively old scientific pursuit, but it’s only in recent times that robotics technology has reached a point where it can be effectively used to help surgeons and medical staff in the operating theatre. Robotic units can be used to assist with surgery and can perform procedures with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy. Surgeons are highly skilled professionals, but even they can be prone to human error. With the use of robotics, this risk can be reduced, making procedures far safer for patients.
Conclusion
The medical profession is constantly adopting and integrating new technologies to improve the standard of care. Surgery can be fraught with risks, but by utilising new surgical tools, AI technology, and robotics, procedures and processes are becoming much safer for patients.
