What is robotic surgery?
The robot does not operate on its own. Your surgeon controls every movement from a console beside you, while the system translates hand movements into smaller, steady movements of the instruments. Compared with open surgery through a large incision, minimally invasive surgery may mean less pain, less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal activity.
Why is it done?
- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Removal of fibroids (myomectomy)
- Treatment of endometriosis
- Removal of ovaries or ovarian cysts
- Surgery and staging for some gynecologic cancers
Who is a candidate?
Many women who need gynecologic surgery can have a robotic or laparoscopic procedure. Factors such as the size of the uterus, prior surgeries, other health conditions and the type of disease affect whether it is the best approach. Your surgeon will review your options, including non-surgical treatment, before recommending surgery.
How is it performed?
Robotic surgery is done under general anesthesia in the hospital. The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen for the camera and instruments. Depending on the procedure, many patients go home the same day or after one night.
What is recovery like?
Most patients walk the same day and return to light activity within one to two weeks. Full recovery after a hysterectomy often takes four to six weeks, with limits on heavy lifting and intercourse until your surgeon says it is safe.
What are the risks and when should I call?
As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, reactions to anesthesia and injury to nearby organs, and sometimes the surgery must be converted to an open procedure. Call the office for fever over 100.4°F, increasing pain, heavy bleeding, redness or drainage from an incision, or trouble urinating. Call 911 for chest pain or shortness of breath.
Schedule a consultation in Fort Lauderdale
To make an appointment with Women’s Surgical Specialists, call (954) 771-8888, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm. Our office is at 2800 East Commercial Blvd, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, and we accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.