In the world of computers, the virtual and real world are slowly merging and a new dimension is starting to slowly emerge and this dimension is the dimension of the future.
The development of CT, MRI scan and PET scanners along with the power of surgery is only a transition period till one day we move on to the non-invasive era of surgery.
The advanced computer software programs will be able to help in creation of 3-D visualization of virtual anatomic models of patients and the full genetic code of the individual will indicate any variations in physiology with possible pathological implications and will produce an enhanced world of reality. This marriage of virtual and real world will change the way medicine is practiced. A patient on entering a surgeon’s office will pass through complex array of scanners.
These will acquire the anatomic, physiological and biochemical parameters of the patient and when the patient sits down on a chair, linked to the computer, it will automatically create 3D Hologram image of the patient.
The image like a shadow will appears next to the patient. On listening to the complaints of the patient like passing of blood in the urine with right flank pain, the surgeon will be able to rotate the holographic image and will be able to put his hand through layers of tissue and take the right kidney out and dissect it in his hand to look at the pathology. He instantly will also know the GFR of the kidney along with parameter like serum creatinine, calcium, uric acid and paratharmone levels as these will be displayed next to the holographic image when the kidney is being manipulated.
This holographic image is called “the medical avatar” by Satava RM in his book called “Cyber surgery –Advanced technologies for Surgical Practice”. This medical avatar can be then used to educate the patient. If surgery is necessary this avatar will be used to practice endonavigation for nano-robots to be guided to the area and remotely controlled to do the necessary manipulations. The scissors will be replace by joysticks and scalpels by lasers fitted to the nano-robots. In the post operative period fresh holographic images will indicate the improvement in the patient general condition.
What appears to be in distant future is actually at our doorstep. Technology is neither good or bad, it is neutral. We must use these technologies to our patient’s advantage and to improve outcomes of the procedures in terms of no complications. It is for us to use our own humanity with humility to practice surgery like our forefathers did as both an art and science.
(Contributed by Dr Rajesh Gulia, an urologist based in Chandigarh)
