Medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine, 20+ years of clinical experience.
What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is an advanced form of laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. The surgeon sits at a console and controls robotic arms that hold a high-definition 3D camera and fine, wristed instruments. Every movement is made by the surgeon; the robot translates it into smaller, steadier and more precise movements inside the body.
It is especially useful in the narrow, deep spaces of the pelvis, where gynaecological operations take place.
Benefits of robotic surgery
- A magnified 3D view of the pelvic organs
- Wristed instruments that move more freely than the human hand in tight spaces
- Small incisions and less visible scars
- Less blood loss and less pain after surgery
- A shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal life
- Helpful in complex cases: large or multiple fibroids, severe endometriosis, previous surgery or a high BMI
Procedures that can be done robotically
Robotic hysterectomy
Removal of the womb for conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis or heavy bleeding, when the family is complete.
Robotic myomectomy
Removal of fibroids while preserving the womb, with careful repair of the uterine wall for future pregnancy.
Endometriosis excision
Precise removal of deep or extensive endometriosis, including around the bowel and bladder.
Ovarian cystectomy
Removal of ovarian cysts while preserving healthy ovarian tissue.
Sacrocolpopexy
Repair of uterine or vaginal vault prolapse using a supportive mesh attached to the spine's sacrum.
Adhesiolysis
Freeing pelvic organs from scar tissue caused by earlier surgery, infection or endometriosis.
Is robotic surgery right for you?
Not every patient needs robotic surgery. For many procedures, standard laparoscopy gives equally good results. Robotic surgery is most useful for complex cases, and it usually costs more. Your surgeon will explain which approach suits your condition, and why.
Recovery after robotic surgery
Most women walk the same day and go home within 1–2 days. Mild discomfort at the incision sites and shoulder-tip pain from the gas used during surgery usually settle within a few days. Many women return to desk work within 1–2 weeks, and you will be given clear advice on lifting, exercise, driving and intercourse.
Your surgeon
Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu is an advanced laparoscopic and robotic gynaecological surgeon who has performed more than 100 robotic gynaecological procedures. She holds a Diploma in Advanced Endometriosis Care and Robotic Surgery and is a surgeon member of the Association of Robotic & Innovative Surgeons.
Frequently asked questions
No. The surgeon controls every movement from a console. The robotic system holds the camera and instruments and makes the surgeon's movements more precise.
Yes, when performed by a trained robotic surgeon. Like any surgery it carries risks such as bleeding and infection, which your surgeon will discuss with you before the operation.
Both are keyhole surgery. In robotic surgery the instruments are held by robotic arms controlled by the surgeon, giving a 3D view and wristed instruments that help in complex cases. For many routine procedures, standard laparoscopy is just as effective.
Usually 1–2 days, depending on the procedure and how you recover.
Yes. Robotic myomectomy removes fibroids while keeping the womb. Your doctor will advise how long to wait before trying to conceive and whether a caesarean delivery is recommended later.