The use of robotics in plastic surgery
Ooi, Adrian SH
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital
: J Regen Med
Abstract
Robotic technology in surgery has improved leaps and bounds in the last decade. While the Da Vinci system remains the most widely used and refined robot in surgery, newer, innovative systems are gradually coming into the market. In urological procedures, the Da Vinci has been shown to reduce complications and hospital stay. More applications for robotic assistance within surgery are being trialed. Detractors tout the lack of cost-effectiveness as its main drawback. The aim of this presentation is to summarize the current use of robotics in plastic surgery, providing a platform for future dialogue, and demonstrate the surgical reconstruction of the oropharynx utilizing the Da Vinci Si system. Within the realm of plastic surgery, robotic assistance has been used in reconstructive procedures of the head and neck, hand, abdomen, pelvis and breast. It has been utilized for free flap harvest, as well as abdominoplasty. Future developments include the development of specific robots for micro and supramicrosurgery. For the head and neck, the Da Vinci robotic system allows resection and reconstruction of hard to reach oropharyngeal tumors, avoiding the need for a mandibulotomy and improving patient functional and cosmetic outcomes, especially in cases where radiotherapy has previously been performed.
Biography
Dr Adrian Ooi is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the Singapore General Hospital. He attended medical school in London and completed his plastic surgery training at the Singapore General Hospital. He undertook advanced fellowships in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Centre and the renowned Wellington Hospital, London, respectively. Dr Ooi focuses on managing complex reconstructive cases, and has a special interest in skin cancer management, reconstructive surgery of the head and neck and breast, as well as lymphedema surgery. He has published widely in various topics on plastic surgery, and is the author of numerous book chapters on reconstructive surgery. adrian.ooi.s.h@singhealth.com.sg
