http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/18/business/single-incision-surgery-via-new-robotic-systems.html?ref=science&_r=0
Modern day technology allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery that limits scarring, improves recovery time and prevents prolonged disability. Robotic surgical procedures allow for much smaller cuts which in turn improves recovery time. The reduced recovery time removes the short term stigma of disability. For those of us who have had surgery in the past, the dependence on caretakers can be frustrating. While disability resulting from surgery is usually for a short period of time, it makes you appreciate the heroism of caretakers of the chronically disabled. The time and patience involved with taking care of a disabled person is truly incredible. The new robotic system shortens the recovery time of a relatively minor procedure. Hopefully, developers can create similar technologies to shorten the recovery period of trauma victims (especially war veterans) and common disorders of the elderly.
I also find is interesting to compare and contrast the similarities and differences in the view of disabilities between varying cultures with a non-enthnocentric attitude. For instance, these technological advancements are huge in Western medicine and can not only decrease the recovery time of patients but also can be more affective in immediate care and healing of the patient, while at the same time some culture strongly believe in the power of traditional and alternative medicine. In most cases a mix of both traditional and Western practices may heal a patient in the most efficient and harm free way.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is also interesting that one of the biggest concerns seems to be about how these machines reduce scarring. This is indicative of how our society is obsessed with how we look and imperfections, like scars, are seen as bad. This is also a way in which technology is becoming more and more intimate with people. Now instead of doctors hands cutting and stitching they basically play a videogame with a robot that does it for them. This is a lot of trust on the technology to not malfunction and seriously injure someone.
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