Robotic Surgery at The Women's Hospital

What Is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which a surgeon operates using a precision robotic platform, guiding highly responsive mechanical arms through small incisions with a level of control and accuracy that human hands alone cannot achieve. At The Women's Hospital, robotic surgery is used across gynecology, urogynecology, oncology, and reconstructive procedures, chosen specifically because of the clinical advantages it offers for operations in the delicate pelvic and abdominal anatomy.

The surgeon is seated at a control console with a magnified, high-definition, three-dimensional view of the surgical field. Every movement is scaled, filtered, and translated into precise instrument motion at the operative site. The result is surgery that is more exact, less traumatic to surrounding tissue, and associated with faster recovery for the patient.

How Does It Help?

Robotic surgery changes the experience of a major operation significantly, for both the surgeon and the patient. Because instruments enter through very small incisions and the robotic system eliminates hand tremor and provides far greater range of motion than standard laparoscopic tools, procedures that would once have required open surgery can now be performed with minimal disruption to the body.

Gynecological Surgery (Myomectomy, Hysterectomy)

Robotic myomectomy allows surgeons to remove fibroids through tiny incisions with exceptional precision, preserving the uterus and protecting surrounding structures. Robotic hysterectomy, where required, can be completed with significantly less blood loss and a much shorter recovery than traditional open surgery.

Endometriosis Excision

The three-dimensional view and precise instrument control of the robotic system make it particularly well-suited to excising deep infiltrating endometriosis, in which deposits are located near critical structures, including the ureter and bowel. Accuracy here directly reduces the risk of recurrence.

How Is It Done?

From your pre-operative consultation to your recovery at home, every step of your robotic surgery journey is planned, explained, and supported by the same dedicated clinical team.

Preparation

You will meet your surgeon for a detailed consultation to discuss your diagnosis, the specific procedure planned, and whether robotic surgery is the most appropriate approach for your case. Pre-operative blood tests, imaging, and an anesthetic assessment are completed. You will be advised on fasting, medications, and what to expect on the day.

What are the Benefits and Risks of this Technology?

Robotic surgery offers meaningful clinical advantages over open and standard laparoscopic approaches — particularly for women undergoing complex pelvic or gynecological procedures. As with all surgical interventions, it also carries risks that are important to understand before making a decision. Your surgeon will discuss both in full during your pre-operative consultation, giving you everything you need to make a confident choice.

Benefits

Smaller incisions and significantly reduced postoperative pain. Lower risk of blood loss and blood transfusion. Reduced risk of infection compared to open surgery. Shorter hospital stay and faster return to daily life. Three-dimensional visualization improves surgical accuracy and reduces risk to surrounding structures. Particularly advantageous for complex pelvic surgery in women with fibroids, endometriosis, or gynecologic cancer.

Risks

As with all surgery under general anesthetic, there are baseline risks including bleeding, infection, and anesthetic reactions. Robotic surgery carries a small risk of conversion to open surgery if the robotic approach proves insufficient for a specific finding encountered during the procedure. Rarely, injury to surrounding structures, including the ureter or bowel may occur. Your surgeon will discuss all individual risks in detail at your pre-operative consultation.