Robotic-assisted surgery for benign gynecological diseases, pelvic organ prolapse, and early-stage endometrial cancer
As of 2023, in Japan, robotic-assisted total hysterectomy for benign gynecological diseases such as uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse, and robotic-assisted surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer are approved as insured medical treatment. All of these surgeries for patients who meet the criteria for eligibility are performed at our department.
Our department has been actively adopting minimal invasive surgery such as laparoscopic total hysterectomy for benign gynecological diseases and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse.
Robotic-assisted surgery allows for operation with an enlarged 3D image, and the forceps (surgical instruments that hold tissue) have joints, allowing for fine manipulation. Therefore, it is suitable for surgeries that require complex surgical operations such as sacrocolpopexy and surgeries for patients with severe adhesions or obesity. From 2021 to 2023, our department has performed approximately 110 robotic surgeries safely without any major complications (Photo).
Advantages of robotic-assisted surgery in gynecology
In robotic-assisted surgery, five small holes (8-12 mm) are made in the abdomen, centered on the navel, and special forceps are inserted (Fig.). The forceps are connected to the robot’s arm. The surgeon sits in a place called the console and operates this robot arm. Unlike conventional open surgery, there is no need to make a large incision in the abdomen. Therefore, it offers better cosmetic results, is less invasive and allows for early recovery.
Particularly in the gynecological field, robotic-assisted surgery has the advantage of enabling safer and more accurate surgery such as large uterine fibroids and severe adhesions.