Robotic gynecological surgery

Robotic gynecological surgery

Robotic surgeries have been spreading worldwide and in many surgical fields.

It allows doctors to perform complex procedures with more precision and higher level of control.

It also allows surgeons to perform surgeries on patients in other countries or thousands of kilometers away.

In gynecology, it helps perform procedures on uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs through a minimally invasive surgical technique.

What is the most widely used platform for Robotic gynecological surgery?

Da Vinci surgical system.

How is robotic surgery applied?

• Very small incisions (5-12 mm), so cosmetically it is better.
• 3D high-definition camera inserted
• Using robotic arms holding tiny surgical equipment
• The surgeon controlling everything from a console

People might think that a robot might perform the operation but that is not true, a qualified surgeon performs everything through a highly precise controlled system.

What are the gynecological surgeries that are done robotically?

• Removal of uterus
• Removal of fibroids
• Endometriosis surgery
• Removal of ovary or ovarian cysts
• Ligation of fallopian tubes
• Pelvic organ prolapse surgery
• All types of gynecological cancers

What are the advantages of performing robotic surgery?

• Smaller incisions (smaller scars)
• Lower blood loss
• Less pain after surgeries
• Hospital stay is shortened (maximum one day)
• Less time needed for recovery
• Better accuracy in complex cases

What are the disadvantages of robotic surgery?

• Long operation time
• Expensive
• Not all surgeons are qualified to do it (needs special training)

In which cases do we prefer robotic surgery?

• Obese patients
• Very severe endometriosis
• Early-stage cancers

What is the recovery timeline after robotic surgery?

• Hospital stay for one day
• Can start walking after 6 hours
• Light activity after 1 week
• Full recovery after 3 weeks

What are the cases that are not ideal for robotic surgery?

• Severe adhesions
• Cardiopulmonary disease (can tolerate insufflation of abdomen)
• Advanced cancer stages that need open incisions

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist