Blog
The Advantages of Robotic Gynecologic Surgery
Robotic gynecologic surgery offers patients smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
That’s why several of the gynecologic surgeons at Premier Women’s Care of Southwest Florida often choose to use state-of-the-art robotics when performing surgeries.
Dr. Natasha Bower, Dr. Cathy Balogh, Dr. Shannon O’Hara, Dr. Sarah DiGiorgi, Dr. Cathy Dahl,Dr. Brianna Schumaker-Nguyen and I, Dr. Kevin Fleishman, use the Intuitive da Vinci robotic system, which offers the most advanced robotic platform available.
For those who may not be familiar with robotic surgery, I will explain what it is, why we use robotics, and what it means for our patients to have robotic rather than traditional open surgery. Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Robotic Gynecologic Surgery?
Robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, similar to laparoscopy, except that your surgeon performs the surgery while seated at a computer console in the operating room.
First, a few tiny incisions are made near the treatment site. A tiny scope equipped with a camera and light is then inserted. The camera captures “real-time” video of the inside of your body, transmitting those images to a magnified video monitor that provides your surgeon with 3-D high-definition vision of the surgical field.
From the computer console, your surgeon controls special instruments attached to a robotic arm. Because the surgeon controls the robot using software, the movements of the instruments are extremely precise. Another advantage is that the robotic arm can maneuver the surgical instruments with seven ranges of motion, making them similar to a human hand but more flexible. The newer robotic instruments can even detect and monitor how much pressure is put on the tissue.
Robotics offer another minimally invasive option in addition to laparoscopy when performing delicate gynecologic procedures, including:
- Hysterectomies (removal of the uterus) and oophorectomies (removal of the ovaries)
- Endometriosis surgery (removal of abnormal growths occurring outside the uterus)
- Removal of fibroids (myomectomy)
- Surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that occurs when one of your pelvic organs “drops” into your vaginal canal
What Are the Benefits of Robotic Gynecologic Surgery?.
Robotic surgery has benefits for the patient over traditional open surgery, including:
- Faster recovery with less scarring and pain, with most women returning to normal activities in 2–4 weeks
- Lower blood loss, which reduces the risk of transfusion
- Shorter hospital stays, often enabling women to go home the same day or the next day
- Better outcomes, particularly in complex cases (such as endometriosis or multiple fibroids)
A Safe Solution for Some Surgical Cases, But Not All
Robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery is considered very safe when performed by a trained and experienced surgeon. And while it might take slightly longer in the operating room, studies show it often reduces complications compared to traditional open surgery.
However, robotic surgery cannot be used in every case.
Robotic surgery may be recommended if you:
- Have fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic prolapse
- Need a hysterectomy
- Have had previous abdominal surgeries (scar tissue)
- Prefer a minimally invasive option with quicker recovery
Your gynecologist will review your medical history to determine whether robotic surgery might be right for you.
At Premier Women’s Care of Southwest Florida, we’re dedicated to providing patient-centered care that’s focused on the unique and individual needs of every woman. To learn more about robot-assisted surgery or to schedule an exam or consultation, book an appointment online or by calling (239) 432-5858.
Dr. Fleishman received a Top Robotic Surgeon Award
from Lee Health in 2024.