Robotic Surgery

Robotic Surgery
HUM432: Technology, Society, and Culture
April 15, 2012

Table of Contents
Abstract – Page 3
Introduction– page 4
Description of Robotic Surgery   page 5
Applications of Robotic Surgery   – page 4 – 7
History of Robotic Surgery - – page 8
Robotic Surgery –- page 9
Advantages of Robot-Assisted Surgery – page 9, 10
Disadvantages of Robotic Surgery – page 11, 12
Political Influences – page 13 - 16
Legal Influences   – page 16 – 20
Economic Questions/ Considerations   – page 20 - 27
Psychological Considerations (T. Blake) – page 28
Sociological Considerations (T. Blake) – page 29- 33
Cultural Context – page 33
Media Influence – page 34 - 37
Implications for the Environment ) – page 37 - 42
Moral Implications – page
Ethical Implications   – page 44- 46
Conclusion   – page 47
References – page 48 - 52

Abstract
Technology has changed the way we see our world. There are always new discoveries in medicines and advancements in how we perform our day to day lives. Many hospitals today have upgraded their computer systems to keep up with this new technology. The way surgeries are being performed has changed as well. Having robots in our surgery rooms are becoming a thing of the past.   The thought of a robotic device performing a procedure that has been performed by thousands of doctors for many years is a wonderful discovery. However, there are some concerns as to whether robotic surgery is better for patients than regular surgery for some procedures. Surprisingly enough there are many patients who would prefer this surgery due to the precision of the robotic arms. Also, the patients who have had surgery say they spend less time recovering in the hospitals. This could mean some savings for the hospitals since the price for the robotic machines can be quite expensive.   Moreover, the expenses that would be incurred for having such a machine would come mostly from training the doctors who are controlling the mechanical arms.... [continues]

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