Surgical Tech Practice Exam

During a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, what type of instruments provide seven degrees of freedom of motion?

1. Stapling instruments

2. Wristed instruments

3. Single-use instruments

4. Rotational instruments

The correct answer is: Wristed instruments

The correct answer is wristed instruments. In robotic-assisted surgical procedures, wristed instruments function similarly to the human wrist, allowing for a range of motion that exceeds that of traditional laparoscopic instruments. Their design facilitates seven degrees of freedom: pitch, yaw, and roll, providing surgeons with enhanced maneuverability and precision during delicate procedures like a hysterectomy. Wristed instruments are particularly beneficial in tight spaces within the anatomy, allowing surgeons to perform complex movements with greater control. This capability is a key advantage in minimally invasive surgery, improving not only the ease with which procedures can be performed but also potentially reducing recovery time for patients. Other types of instruments, such as stapling instruments, are designed for specific functions like cutting and securing tissues but do not have the same degree of motion. Single-use instruments are focused on preventing cross-contamination but do not inherently provide enhanced motion capabilities. Rotational instruments also allow for certain movements but typically do not achieve the full range that wristed instruments do.