Minimally Invasive Surgery

Gynecologic robotic surgery is one of the latest innovations in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Using a narrow, lighted scope and miniature instruments controlled through a robotic system, our gynecological surgeons are able to treat several conditions that affect a woman’s reproductive organs.

With traditional, open surgery, surgeons make one long incision to access the area for treatment. With laparoscopic surgery, surgeons hold and manipulate a scope and instruments through a few small incisions. Robotic surgery is similar to laparoscopy, the main difference being in how surgeons control the surgical tools.

A/Prof Mahmoud operates on both the Da Vinci and Versus Robot Systems.

The robotic surgical system includes:

• A console at which the surgeon controls the scope and instruments using hand controls and views the scope’s images on a screen
• A robotic cart with arms that hold the instruments
• A camera that provides 3D views of the surgical site
• Wristed instruments that translate the surgeon’s hand movements into precise micro-movements to perform surgery

Seated at the console, the surgeon performs even the most delicate, complex procedures through small incisions with extreme precision. The robotic system is not programmable and does not make any movements on its own – it’s completely controlled by the surgeon.

An important part of the process is the assistant surgeon, who stands at the operating table beside the patient and manually manipulates an accessory port to assist with tasks such as fine suturing.

Robotic surgery provides a number of benefits over open and laparoscopic surgery, such as:

• Less blood loss and reduced need for transfusions
• Less postoperative pain and discomfort
• Less scarring 
• Lower risk of infection
• More precise visualization during surgery
• Quicker recovery and return to work
• Shorter hospital stays

A/Prof Mahmoud can perform the following operations on the robot:

• Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
• Vaginal prolapse repairs 
• Advanced endometriosis surgery
• Fibroid removal