ROBOETHICS: BIOETHICAL ASPECTS OF ROBOTIC SURGERY

Resumo

Abstract: Nowadays, the use of robots in surgical procedures and in rehabilitation processes is a reality. Robotic surgery prevents large incisions and hemorrhages, and, with the challenges that global health systems have been facing, it can serve as a support. Despite these aspects, there are numerous bioethical issues arising from these procedures, which require analysis and discussion. The study, using qualitative methodology, with bibliographic and documentary research, addresses the issue related to the bioethical challenges of the so-called “roboethics”. Thus, it investigates the incorporation of new technologies and procedures in health promotion, as well as examines what would be an ethical robotics in health. The bioethical principles related to the use of robotics in surgical procedures are explained, in order to question how the patient's autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice and equity are perceived in this context. Equally, it is asked whether bioethics could be applied to the robots themselves, and it is pointed out that there is still not an influential regulation on this specific topic. It is concluded that, although the advances are effective and factually present, what must be taken into account is, first of all, the autonomy of the patient's will. Furthermore, it is concluded that the challenges present in these procedures are also related to inequalities with regard to access to health, which demand social interventions aimed at not adopting unequal measures that counter unjust differences.

Keywords: Bioethics. Law. Medical ethics. Robotics. Robotic surgery.