Doctors to blame for most robotic surgical errors and lawsuits, says OBGYN

In recent years there have been hundreds of thousands of surgical procedures performed by so-called robots. These robotic surgeries are actually performed by surgeons who use computer-assisted surgical robots to help them perform complicated procedures. Many doctors believe that when used correctly, robotic surgeries in Pennsylvania are safer and more cost effective than traditional surgery. An increase in the number of robotic surgical errors, however, has some people concerned.

Robotic surgeries are on the rise because the instruments on the robots are able to do things that traditional surgical instruments are unable to do. These instruments are controlled by the surgeon and allow the surgeon to have a wide range of motion in a laparoscopic procedure. While there are some risks associate with robotic surgery, experts agree that these surgeries produce great results.

Some people are beginning to question whether or not robotic surgery is the best option, however. Several medical malpractice lawsuits have been filed by victims of surgical errors and five patients actually died, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Rather than blaming the robots, the lawsuits assert that the doctors are liable for the mistakes made during the surgeries. One OBGYN agrees that doctors are to blame, stating that the majority of lawsuits are the result of a surgeon mistake.

Although all surgeons must be trained on these robots before using them in surgery, surgeons themselves are not infallible. A surgical error can result in serious injury, increased medical bills, and even death. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a mistake in surgery, a lawyer may be of assistance.

Source: Standard-Examiner, “Ogden doctor: Most robotic surgery woes linked to human error,” by Jamie Lampros, April 27, 2013