Robotic Surgery

The latest innovation in laparoscopic surgery is the use robotic surgical techniques. The da Vinci surgical system is used for this type of surgery. Laparoscopic ports are placed in the abdomen as is done for standard laparoscopic surgery. The surgical instruments are placed through these ports, but they are controlled robotically by the surgeon who is seated at a console away from the patient. The surgeon has better visualization of the surgical field and more precise control of the surgical instruments. Complex surgical procedures that are technically difficult to perform with standard laparoscopic techniques can be performed easier and quicker with robotic laparoscopy. The patient still has the benefit of an out-patient procedure with less pain and faster recovery time compared to an open abdominal procedure.

Not all laparoscopic procedures should be performed with the robot. Most gynecologic laparoscopy can be performed with standard laparoscopic techniques. However, patients with complex gynecologic problems that either would require an open procedure, or a prolonged laparoscopic procedure, may benefit from robotic assisted laparoscopy. We currently perform the following procedures with robotic laparoscopy in appropriately selected patients:

• Myomectomy (removal of fibroids)
• Hysterectomy
• Treatment of advanced endometriosis