Robotic Surgery & Hysterectomies

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the uterus. The methods of surgery by which a hysterectomy may be performed are open surgery, laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery.

Robotic Surgery

• In robotic hysterectomy surgery, a surgeon uses a remote control device to maneuver robotic instruments inserted into a patient's abdomen. While viewing the operating area on a video screen, the surgeon uses the robotic instruments to remove the patient's uterus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Advantages

• Robotic surgery can offer hysterectomy patients some advantages over other types of surgery, such as several small incisions instead of a very large one. There is less scarring involved and patients often are able return to normal activities sooner, according to UC San Diego Health Systems.

Considerations

• Although the number of locations at which robotic hysterectomies are performed is growing gradually, the procedure is not available at all hospitals and medical centers. If robotic surgery is the method of hysterectomy that you choose, a referral from your physician to a location where the procedure is offered may be necessary.