It refers to general procedures that avoid
long cuts by entering the body through small (usually about 1cm) entry
incisions, through which surgeons use long-handled instruments to
operate on tissue within the body. Such operations are guided by viewing
equipment (i.e. endoscope) and, therefore, do not necessarily need the
use of a robot. However, it is not incorrect to say that
computer-assisted and robotic surgeries are categories under minimally
invasive surgery.
Computer-assisted surgery (CAS), also known as image-guided surgery,
surgical navigation, and 3-D computer surgery, is any computer-based
procedure that uses technologies such as 3D imaging and real-time
sensing in the planning, execution and follow-up of surgical procedures.
CAS allows for better visualization and targeting of sites as well as
improved diagnostic capabilities, giving it a significant advantage over
conventional techniques.
Robotic surgery, on the other hand, requires the use of a surgical
robot, which may or may not involve the direct role of a surgeon during
the procedure. A
robot
is defined as a computerized system with a motorized construction
(usually an arm) capable of interacting with the environment. In its
most basic form, it contains sensors, which provide feedback data on the
robot’s current situation, and a system to process this information so
that the next action can be determined. One key advantage of robotic
surgery over computer-assisted is its accuracy and ability to repeat
identical motions..