Reliant Medical Group’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology includes three surgeons who perform robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery.

What is robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery?

Robotic assisted surgery is a specialized form of laparoscopic surgery. As with laparoscopic surgery, robot assisted surgery is performed through several small incisions on the abdominal wall, each about 0.5 to 1.5 cm in size, as opposed to through a large abdominal wall incision. The surgeon operates with instruments placed through these small incisions. In the case of robot assisted surgery, the surgeon uses a computer console to manipulate the surgical instruments. The physician is in the room with the patient at all times. Robotic assisted surgery has been approved by the FDA.

Why do we need robotic assisted surgery if laparoscopy already exists?

While many advances in laparoscopic surgery have been made, laparoscopy is limited by the fact that instruments are rigid and the surgeon sees the patient’s anatomy on a standard video monitor. Robotic assisted surgery allows for precise movement of the surgical instruments and gives an enhanced three-dimensional view of the patient’s anatomy, allowing for more complex surgeries to be performed laparoscopically that would otherwise require laparotomy (open surgery).

What are some of the benefits of robotic assisted surgery?

Robotic assisted surgery allows for surgical procedures that may otherwise be too difficult to perform with traditional laparoscopy in a minimally invasive fashion. As compared to traditional abdominal surgery through an abdominal wall incision, robotic surgery may offer the patient the benefits of decreased blood loss, shorter hospital stay, decreased postoperative pain, and faster postoperative recovery.

How can I find out if robotic assisted surgery is right for me?

Our surgeons offer robotic assisted surgery along with traditional open abdominal surgery, vaginal surgery, and laparoscopic surgery. Every patient is different, and every surgical procedure is unique. Our doctors will fully evaluate your condition along with your medical and surgical history and determine which of these options is best for you.