Robotic Surgery
The use of robotic surgery has grown in recent years as an alternative to general surgery. Robotic technology allows for faster recoveries and advanced surgical procedures beyond what could have been possible before. Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison and her team have implemented this advanced technology to suit the needs of her clients.
What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery in comparison to traditional open surgery. It allows for greater precision and vision as robots use smaller incisions and robotic systems to complete the operation. These improvements can reduce blood loss and trauma to the body and can enable quicker hospital stays.
Is Robotic Surgery right for me?
Robotic Surgery is an excellent option for conditions such as:
- large fibroids
- massive adhesions
- pelvic floor repair
- urinary incontinence
During your consultation with Dr Behnia-Willison, she will explain more specific risks and benefits of the surgery.
What is the benefit of having Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery has the added benefit of reduced pain and discomfort, along with a reduced risk of infection and complications. The ability to precisely undertake operations with minimal scarring and no tissue damage is highly beneficial to recovery and aesthetics for you.
In a robotically assisted surgery, such as a robotic myomectomy, the surgeons have greater flexibility, precision and efficiency due to a 3D, enlarged view of the womb.
Which procedures can benefit from Robotic Surgery?
Many conditions can benefit from robotic surgery including:
- Large Fibroids
- Massive Adhesions
- Pelvic Floor Repair
- Urinary incontinence
Large Fibroids
At FBW Gynaecology Plus, there are four procedures that Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison performs to help with large fibroids. In each case, advanced robotic surgery is used to perform minimally invasive surgery, avoiding the need for open surgery.
The robotic surgery procedures include:
- Uterine artery embolisation – Robotic surgery is used to cut off blood flow to the fibroids, making them shrink and eventually die, relieving fibroid-related symptoms.
- Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy – For fibroids that are small, or scarce, Dr Behnia-Willison will make small incisions in the abdomen to take out the fibroids in the room, avoiding removal of the womb.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy – Dr Behnia Willison removes fibroids by inserting surgical instruments through the vagina and cervix.
- Endometrial ablation and resection of submucosal fibroids – Surgical robots are used to insert surgical instruments into the womb, to implement heat, microwave energy, electric current or hot water to reconstruct the lining of the womb.
Massive Adhesions
Massive Adhesions can be removed or reduced with robotic surgery or laparoscopy. One of the most effective solutions is performing an operative laparoscopy, which can precisely remove adhesions with minimal scarring and no tissue damage.
There are anti-adhesive agents that Dr Behnia-Willison can use at the time of surgery to reduce recurrence of the adhesions after surgery.
Pelvic Floor Repair
Several robotic surgery procedures can be performed to help with pelvic organ prolapse:
- Enterocoele, or vault prolapse, is a herniation of the peritoneal sac between the vagina and the rectum. Robotic surgery allows an enterocoele to be repaired laparoscopically via the top of the vagina.
- Sacrospinous fixation surgery is designed to restore support to the uterus or vaginal vault. Robotic surgery allows the vagina to be attached to the tailbone and supported by synthetic mesh if required.
- Rectocoele occurs when the rectum pushes the back wall of the vagina forward, causing a prominent bulge in the vagina. It can be repaired laparoscopically through the rear wall of the vagina.
- Urethrocoele is the prolapse of the urethra into the vagina, and it can be repaired using laparoscopy with bladder neck suspension.
- Cystocele, or prolapsed bladder, is where the bladder bulges into the vagina. It can be repaired using laparoscopy through the front of the vagina.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can be resolved laparoscopically with a single incision. This technique is minimally invasive and the best way of operating to ensure minimum scarring.
Although uncommon with laparoscopy, there are possible side-effects of urinary incontinence surgery, which may include: temporary urination difficulty (urinary retention), urinary tract infection, and painful intercourse. Dr Behnia-Willison will detail the risks and benefits during your consultation before determining your surgical plan.
What is the recovery time for robotic surgery?
Recovery times for traditional surgery can vary significantly, including up to a few weeks. Robotic procedures have a much shorter healing time though due to their smaller incisions. In some cases, healing time can be as little as a week in length.