[Bill Koslosky, MD @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

The Zeus surgical system has been in the US for at least 3 years now (probably more). There are even remote systems where the operating surgeon can be physically distant.

The phrase, "a robot�s going to cut open a human and meddle with the insides," sounds overally dramatic. How about on the molecular level? Imagine the pharmaceuticals, whether prescription or recreational, that may be doing some meddling with our DNA or protein receptors. Note the recent withdrawal of a C0X-2 inhibitor meant to be a pain reliever (but not really that much more effective than what we have now) with decreased GI adverse effects that increases the risk of a cardiac event. Not to mention the meddling that goes on each time someone lights up a cigarette.