Robots are no longer just characters in science fiction novels or films, but valuable helpers in real life.

Just ask Zhongshan Hospital. It is the only hospital in the country to introduce a robotic system from abroad to assist with cardiac surgery.

More than 30 heart disease patients have undergone surgeries with robotic assistance. All have reported good results.

The technology -- developed by the United States -- has only been in practice since the late 1990s. Zhongshan purchased a system in 2000.

During surgery, a robotic arm holds the endoscope under the direction of the lead surgeon, who controls surgical tools.Previously another doctor held the endoscope.

"As a machine, the robotic arm is more precise and can enhance safety," said Zhao Qiang, director of Zhongshan's cardiac surgery department. "It won't shake or make a big move that hurts the patient. It also remembers the important spots and quickly goes exactly where I want.

The surgery team for such procedures has been reduced from four to two people, Zhao said.

As the system is still in its infancy, doctors are only using it on select patients - generally those who are younger and stronger. Even US hospitals only use the robotic assistance for about 500 surgeries each year, experts said.

Experts said robotic assistance in surgery is the future of medicine, since most operations are minimally invasive.

Doctors only make three small incisions in the chest, allowing the entrance of the endoscope and two surgical tools.

Zhongshan experts said the US has developed a more advanced robotic system. It has three arms and takes the lead surgeon's place.

"The surgeon looks at the screen and gives orders to control the robot," Zhao said. "Our hospital will import one within three years."

(Shanghai Daily March 4, 2005)