Robotic surgery is often described as if the surgeon works alone at the console. In reality, every operation depends on a skilled team. At The London Clinic, Professor Prokar Dasgupta and his team have introduced a 3D wireless headset, called MedithinQ, to help the people assisting at the operating table. This article explains the problem it solves and why the MedithinQ headset in robotic surgery matters for patients.
Two decades of robotic surgery
The London Clinic was the first private hospital in the UK to introduce robotic surgery with the da Vinci robot, in 2005. Since then, the team has used every version of the system for keyhole surgery, including the latest da Vinci Xi. Our robotic prostatectomy page explains how robotic surgery is used to treat prostate cancer.
Not a one-person show
A robotic operation involves surgeons, anaesthetists, surgical care practitioners and scrub nurses. Surgical care practitioners are expert assistants who work at the operating table beside the patient. While the surgeon operates the robotic arms and 3D camera from the console, the assistant changes instruments, manages the camera and supports each step of the operation.
This means the results of robotic surgery depend not only on the surgeon's skill but also on the skill of the person assisting. As Professor Dasgupta puts it, you are as good as your assistant.
The problem with the monitor
The surgeon sits comfortably at the console, viewing the operation in 3D. The assistant, however, usually watches a large television monitor placed at an angle, often having to turn their head for long periods. Over a long operation, this can cause significant strain in the neck and shoulders and affect performance.
Professor Dasgupta has seen the effect at first hand. A few years ago, a surgical trainee told him that severe neck pain prevented them from continuing to assist in robotic surgery.
Earlier research on headsets
Professor Dasgupta's team has previously shown that head-mounted displays, such as Google Glass and HoloLens, could help solve this problem, improving surgical performance while reducing neck strain and fatigue. By placing the images of the operation directly in front of the eyes, much like high-quality sunglasses, the wearer no longer needs to twist towards a screen. You can read more about this research on the achievements page.
How MedithinQ helps
The team now uses MedithinQ, a 3D wireless headset supplied by Lawmed, worn by the assistant and the scrub nurse. Instead of turning towards a monitor, they look straight ahead and assist with the operation in real-time 3D, rather than on a flat 2D screen.
The intended benefits are:
- less strain on the neck and shoulders during long operations
- a clearer, three-dimensional view for the assisting team
- better coordination between the surgeon and the team at the bedside
- ultimately, better outcomes for patients
Why this matters to patients
Patients rarely meet the assistants and scrub nurses who support their operation, but their work matters. A comfortable, well-coordinated team works more efficiently and is better placed to respond if anything unexpected happens. Improvements like this are part of a continuous effort to make robotic surgery safer. Our article on why surgeon experience matters explains how team experience contributes to results.
The Royal College of Surgeons of England highlights the importance of surgical teams and ergonomics in safe practice, and independent information on robotic surgery is available from Cancer Research UK.
Continuing innovation
The team is proud to continue its journey of innovation and improvement in robotic surgery. Our news page collects other developments, including Professor Dasgupta's work in remote surgery.
If you would like to discuss robotic surgery with Professor Dasgupta, please contact the clinic.