Advances in Women's Health Surgical Options:
Robotic Gynecologic Surgery

Until recently, gynecologic surgeries, such as hysterectomy or fibroid removal, have been performed by open abdominal surgery or laparoscopic surgery, a surgical technique performed through small incisions that uses a laparoscope (camera) to view the internal organs. Now, women can take advantage of one of the newest technologies being applied to gynecologic surgery—robotic gynecologic surgery.

The robotic surgical system allows surgeons to operate through tiny incisions, gives hospitals and patients the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for gynecologic surgery in 2005, this system is one of the most innovative instruments available today to surgically treat gynecologic conditions.

According to Mathew Beshara, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Penn who performs robotic-assisted surgery, “Robotic-assisted surgery can be useful in the performance of hysterectomies, removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, correction of vaginal prolapse, pelvic reconstructive surgery and reversing tubal ligation.”

About Robotic-assisted Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery is similar to other forms of minimally invasive surgery in that instruments and cameras are inserted through small incisions. It is important to note that the surgeon controls all instruments in robotic surgery. The surgery is not performed by a pre-programmed robot.

The surgeon sits at a console next to the patient. Looking into a viewfinder at the three-dimensional, high quality image sent back by the cameras, the surgeon works the surgical “arms” using hand and foot controls. The quality of the images and precise movement of the surgical arms essentially puts the surgeon right next to the area in which he or she is operating.

“The robot’s design and 3-D imaging allows surgeons to access difficult places during surgery and routinely perform complex procedures more quickly; however, the success of robotic-assisted surgery depends on the skill and experience of the physicians, not the equipment,” states Dr. Beshara.

Sharon Byun, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Penn who also performs robotic-assisted surgery, says:  “For some cases, we are better able to visualize the internal organs, thanks to the 3-D imaging of the robotic system. It can take less time to perform the surgery, and the results are better for some patients. ” .

Experience Counts
Robotic-assisted surgery is gaining popularity because of the many benefits for both patients and surgeons, but having an active program with experienced surgeons is the key to successful surgical results.  

Dozens of studies show that the more operations a hospital or health system performs, the better the results for the patients.

“The University of Pennsylvania Health System has a true, multispecialty robotic surgery program,” according to Deborah Driscoll, MD, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Penn. “Penn surgeons are performing a broad range of procedures and more of them than any other hospital or health system in the Greater Philadelphia area.

For more information or to make an appointment to learn
about robotic surgery, call 1-800-789-PENN (7366) or request an appointment online.

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.