Robotic surgery in cancer of the uterus and cervix
Before the introduction of the Da Vinci surgical robot, removal of the uterus, that is, hysterectomy, required a large abdominal incision. As the Da Vinci system operates through a few small incisions and magnifies tissue 10 times, it allows precise handling. Patients generally leave hospital within 24 to 36 hours and can quickly resume their normal daily life.
Robotic myomectomy
One of the most common procedures in gynaecology — the surgical removal of fibroids — can also be carried out successfully using Da Vinci robotic technology. Robotic myomectomy is one of the most advanced procedures in the treatment of uterine fibroids. The modern therapeutic approach favours surgical removal of the fibroids by closed methods rather than removal of the uterus, even when the patient is approaching the age of the menopause.
Suturing the uterus in two or three layers, which is impossible in laparoscopic surgery, can be performed perfectly in robotic surgery. In addition, fibroids located on the lateral and posterior surfaces of the uterus, which are difficult to reach and suture laparoscopically, can easily be removed with the robot. The robot's superior suturing ability also makes it easy to remove very large fibroids. The cavity that forms in the uterus can thus be sutured in a short time, very firmly and precisely, by the robot's arms, as in open surgery.
Other gynaecological procedures
Pelvic organ prolapse, caused by age, being overweight and vaginal deliveries, leads to many health problems, foremost among them urinary incontinence. Sacrocolpopexy, which can be described simply as "repositioning the prolapsed pelvic organs in their normal position", can also be carried out successfully with the Da Vinci. Before the introduction of the Da Vinci, these procedures were performed by open surgery, which caused the patient post-operative pain and a longer recovery. The Da Vinci allows the patient to be operated on without opening the abdominal cavity and to resume her normal daily activities straight away, without feeling pain. The patient goes home in 2 to 3 days and can start other treatments immediately. In addition, complications related to the healing of a large incision, such as infection and scarring, are avoided.