In gynecology and obstetrics, Da Vinci robotic surgery offers a less invasive approach compared to traditional open surgery. This technology is a system in which a surgeon performs surgical procedures using robotic arms. The Da Vinci surgical system allows the surgeon to manage the operation with greater precision, make smaller incisions, and accelerate the recovery process with less blood loss. Thanks to three-dimensional high-definition imaging and robotic arms with a range of motion far wider than the human hand, highly precise procedures can be performed even in narrow anatomical regions. This technology, which has become the gold standard in modern gynecological surgery, offers patients less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
Working Principle of Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
The system consists of four robotic arms controlled by the surgeon from a console. One of these arms carries a high-definition camera, while the other three use surgical instruments. Sitting at the console, the surgeon views the surgical field in three dimensions and with magnification. Hand movements are filtered and transmitted to the robotic arms, eliminating tremors and enabling extremely precise movements. With wrists that can rotate up to 540 degrees, the robotic instruments can move in much wider angles than the human hand. This allows for successful results even in narrow pelvic regions, cases with deep adhesions, and obese patients. The system also ensures the surgeon works in an ergonomic position, reducing fatigue during long surgeries.
Conditions Treated
Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal)
Hysterectomy is the procedure of removing the uterus. Da Vinci robotic surgery can be used to perform a hysterectomy. This technology allows for the removal of the uterus with greater precision through smaller incisions, which can accelerate the recovery process and increase patient comfort. The robotic approach provides significant advantages, especially in obese patients, those with a history of previous surgeries, and cases with large uteri. It can be safely applied for benign uterine diseases as well as early-stage uterine cancers.
Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal)
Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. Da Vinci robotic surgery can be used to perform a myomectomy. This technology can remove fibroids more precisely and preserve the uterus, thereby protecting the patients' fertility. The high capability for suturing is a major advantage in the presence of multiple fibroids or deeply located fibroids. Thanks to the robotic suturing technique, the integrity of the uterine wall is maintained, and the risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies is minimized.
Endometriosis Treatment
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Da Vinci robotic surgery can be used for the surgical treatment of endometriosis. This technology can help the surgeon remove endometriosis lesions more precisely and alleviate the patient's symptoms. In cases of deep infiltrative endometriosis, detailed dissection can be performed while protecting adjacent organs such as the bowel and bladder. Significant improvement in quality of life is achieved in patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
Repair of Reproductive Organs and Oncological Surgery
Da Vinci robotic surgery can also be used for the repair of reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes). For example, it can be used in procedures such as tubal repair or the removal of ovarian cysts. Reconstructive procedures such as pelvic organ prolapse repair and sacrocolpopexy are also successfully performed with the robotic approach. In the surgical treatment of early-stage gynecological cancers, all oncological principles, including lymph node dissection, can be fulfilled using the robotic method.
Advantages of Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
- Smaller incisions: The surgery is completed with only a few millimeters of entry points.
- Reduced blood loss: Precise dissection minimizes the amount of bleeding.
- Less pain: Postoperative pain is significantly reduced, and the need for painkillers is lowered.
- Fast recovery: Hospital stay is shortened, and the return to daily life is accelerated.
- Better cosmetic results: Small incisions leave aesthetically more satisfying scars.
- Lower complication rate: Infection and wound site issues are reduced.
- Three-dimensional vision: The surgeon views the surgical field in high resolution with depth perception.
- Precise suturing capability: With the robotic wrist, sutures can be placed easily even in difficult anatomical regions.
Treatment Process
The treatment process begins with a detailed examination and imaging tests. The patient's general health status, the stage of the disease, and anatomical features are evaluated to determine the suitability of robotic surgery. Blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, and, if necessary, detailed mapping with MRI are performed. The surgery is conducted under general anesthesia, and several 8-millimeter trocars are placed in the abdominal region. The abdomen is inflated with gas to create a working space, and the robotic arms are attached. Although the procedure duration varies depending on the disease, it generally takes between two and four hours. Patients are usually discharged within one or two days and can return to their normal activities within two weeks. A six-week waiting period is recommended for activities such as heavy lifting and sexual intercourse.
Points to Consider
Robotic surgery may not be suitable for every patient. Alternative methods may be considered for very advanced-stage cancers, severe intra-abdominal adhesions, or certain heart and lung diseases. Quitting smoking before surgery, informing the doctor about medications used, and completing recommended tests increase success. Adhering to recommended activity restrictions in the postoperative period positively affects the recovery process. Keeping wound sites clean and dry, following an appropriate nutrition program, and using prescribed medications regularly accelerate recovery. In case of fever, excessive pain, or bleeding, the hospital should be contacted immediately. Attending follow-up examinations regularly is important for monitoring long-term results.
Patient Comfort and Recovery
After robotic surgery, patients require significantly fewer painkillers compared to traditional surgery. The time to return to active life is reduced by approximately half. While office workers return to their jobs within about two weeks, those in physically demanding jobs can return to full activity within four to six weeks. The minimal impact on sexual life and fertility makes robotic surgery a preferred choice, especially for young patients. Preoperative and postoperative physiotherapy-supported rehabilitation programs accelerate the recovery process.
As Koru Hospital, we offer our patients world-class treatment opportunities with our expert gynecologist staff and state-of-the-art Da Vinci robotic surgery system. We aim to maximize our patients' quality of life by applying the least invasive and most precise treatment options in women's health.
