GHANA – Dr. John de-Graft Johnson, a distinguished Ghanaian surgeon based in the United States, has developed a pioneering robotic surgical device that performs complex surgeries without the need for direct hand involvement.
This innovative innovation promises to revolutionize the field of surgery by minimizing the risks associated with traditional open-heart procedures.
Dr. de-Graft Johnson successfully operated on a patient using this cutting-edge technology in June. By making small incisions between the ribs, he skillfully maneuvered robotic arms to bypass several blocked arteries, significantly extending the patient’s life.
The operation demonstrated the immense potential of robotic-assisted surgery as a viable alternative to the conventional method of opening the chest for heart surgery.
During an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Dr. de-Graft Johnson elaborated on the benefits of this new surgical technique.
He emphasized that for many patients, the thought of undergoing traditional open-heart surgery, which involves cracking open the chest, can be both terrifying and daunting.
“The prospect of having one’s chest opened up is not only terrifying but also comes with a prolonged recovery period,” he explained.
According to him, the typical recovery process after conventional surgery includes a five to six-day hospital stay, followed by a recovery period of six to eight weeks as the breastbone heals.
In contrast, robotic-assisted surgery offers several advantages, such as less pain and reduced blood loss, which are among the key benefits.
The surgeon also pointed out that the robotic system allows for smaller incisions, which significantly reduces the trauma to the patient’s body.
“As a fairly large individual, I often have to make sizable incisions to fit my hands inside the chest during traditional surgery,” he admitted.
However, such large incisions with the robotic system are unnecessary, resulting in a less invasive procedure.
The advanced technology involves the surgeon making small incisions between the patient’s ribs, through which the robotic arms and a camera are inserted.
Dr. de-Graft Johnson recounted his experience with the first patient he operated on using this method. “I was able to bypass three coronary arteries, and the patient was discharged just two days later,” he said, highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of the robotic system.
Dr. de-Graft Johnson further explained that the Doctors Medical Center in the United States, where he practices, has been utilising the Da Vinci Robotic Surgery (DRS) system for various general and specialized surgeries since 2007.
He finished by saying that the small robotic instruments provide a higher range of motion, which, combined with this system’s accuracy and magnificence, outperforms even the human arm’s capabilities.
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