The Impact of Surgical Advancement of Transoral Robotic Surgery on the Safety of Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i4.3782Keywords:
Transoral Robotics Surgery, New hospital technology, Hospital Safety, Informed consentAbstract
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a relatively new technological advancement in the surgical field of otolaryngology. However, there are many concerns of affordability, safety, patient expectations, and consent. This paper examines how the new surgical technology comes with a price many hospitals cannot afford, potentially compromising patient safety to gain a return on their investment. We analyze patient’s expectations as a reason for risking their safety because there are certain cosmetic standards patients adhere to and opt for minimally invasive procedures, but put themselves in harm's way. We detail out the topic of informed consent, whereby surgeons cannot perform surgery and limit patients’ treatment options. Finally, this paper also examines the role of the FDA in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the TORS technology.
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This research article is about liability in the event of a robotic malfunction and how autonomy and cost affect liability. When the hospitals and surgeons become liable due to patients being uncomfortable with the autonomy the robot has, it drives up the finances of TORS. This supports the research because it shows how the cost of TORS can dramatically increase, pushing hospitals to overlook ethics in favor of profits.
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